Local businesses invited to discuss trade pressures at May 6 forum

Local businesses are being invited to speak directly about the challenges of international trade and tariffs at a public forum hosted by the Lambton Business Collaborative on May 6.

The two-hour event, set to take place at the St. Clair Corporate Centre in Sarnia, aims to gather input from business owners about the impact of current tariff policies and related economic pressures. Organizers say the goal is to better understand how local businesses are being affected—and how future supports and advocacy efforts should be shaped in response.

“We recognize that tariffs and the uncertainties associated with international trade continue to present a significant challenge for businesses of all sizes, and across all industries,” said Shauna Carr, Chair of the Lambton Business Collaborative. “This session is about listening and creating space for businesses to share their experiences and shape the direction of regional advocacy, resource development, engagement, and support.”

The session will include opening remarks from a member of the Lambton Business Collaborative and will be facilitated by Bryan Boyle of Bryan Boyle & Associates. Business owners and principals from all sectors are encouraged to attend, but space is limited and participation is restricted to those attending in a business capacity.

The event is organized by the Lambton Business Collaborative, a partnership of local organizations that support economic development across the region. Members include the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Sarnia-Lambton, Sarnia Lambton Workforce Development Board, Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park, and the County of Lambton.

Insights gathered during the session will be used to help identify current support needs, highlight potential funding opportunities, and inform economic development strategies for both local and upper-tier governments. Organizers also hope to surface sector-specific trends and barriers that could guide future programming or response efforts.

The forum takes place Tuesday, May 6, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Gateway Room at the St. Clair Corporate Centre. Registration is required in advance.

More information is available at

This article was created with support from advanced editorial tools and reviewed by our team to ensure accuracy and fairness. Learn more.