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Canadian Chamber of Commerce responds to threat of 35 percent tariffs from Trump

Late last week, American president Donald Trump threatened Canadian goods heading into the United States with 35 percent tariffs, across the board, commencing Aug. 1, 2025. The president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Candace Laing, issued the following response on Friday. “This latest tariff threat from the U.S. promises disaster if its warnings and predictions aren’t taken seriously. But it’s the senselessness of this trade war that is the real tragedy. Having spent months under on-again, off-again tariffs and threats, Canadians already know just how damaging this can be—both to our economy and the relationship we’ve enjoyed with our southern neighbour for decades.”

Trump threatens 35 percent tariffs on Canadian goods

U.S. President Donald Trump is threatening 35 percent tariffs on Canadian goods entering the United States. The president sent a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney yesterday indicating that the tariffs would take effect Aug. 1 and that any reciprocal tariffs would in turn be added-on to the 35 percent.

The prime minister later posted on X that the Canadian government would continue to defend workers and businesses, working towards the revised deadline.

The U.S. currently has a 25 percent tariff on all non-CUSMA compliant goods coming from Canada and a lower 10 percent rate on energy and potash as part of a border-related tariffs regime.

Westcap acquires Darmac Framing Systems through portfolio company

Westcap Management Ltd. has announced that its portfolio company Timber-Tech Truss Limited Partnership has acquired Darmac Framing Systems, an Alberta-based panelized and modular building components manufacturer.

Westcap completed its initial platform investment in Timber-Tech in December 2023 through Westcap MBO III Investment LP, its third buyout fund focused on succession and growth opportunities in Western Canada.

 

Richelieu posts Q2 financials

Richelieu Hardware has reported Q2 sales of $512.2 million, an increase of 6.4 percent. Canadian sales amounted to $275.8 million. Net earnings of $22.5 million came to $0.41 per diluted share.

 

 

RONA unveils 2024 sustainable activities

RONA inc. has released its 2024 Overview of Sustainable Development Activities. It highlights the organization’s environmental and social initiatives and the progress made towards achieving its sustainability goals.

The retailer noted it now has 1,612 Energy Star-certified products available in store and online. It also collected 1,775 tonnes of paint and other products in-store. In 2024, 150 non-profit organizations were supported by RONA’s Home Sweet Home campaign.

The company was recognized on numerous occasions for its efforts including receiving the GoRecycle’s Coup de cœur award and ranking among Canada’s Greenest Employers. (To read the full report, click here.)

Throwback Thursday: 25 years ago Canadian Tire launched its “Radio Days” summer promotion

Throwback Thursday is a weekly feature in which we dip into the archives of the Hardlines Weekly Report.

On July 10, 2000, exactly 25 years ago, the industry lived in a completely different world. Back then, traditional media ruled marketing, and radio was super important.

Canadian Tire launched a radio campaign 25 years ago on this date that was based on “Flash Back” prices. In the promotion, Canadian Tire would offer two products for what would have been their prices in the 1960s and 1970s. Now, Canadian Tire is a leader in e-commerce, while still present on radio, spending billions on an integrated marketing platform that unites all their brands.

RONA Foundation supports Canadian non-profits

The RONA Foundation, RONA inc.’s philanthropic arm, will present a total of $1.3 million to eight non-profit organizations (NPOs) across the country through its 2025 Build from the Heart program. The initiative, launched in 2022, is focused on organizations that support housing for survivors of domestic violence, low-income families, and people with disabilities. This year’s fundraising campaign ran from April 21 to May 31.

Dealer News looks at Hardlines Conference, Home Depot acquisition

The latest edition of Hardlines Dealer News lands in inboxes tomorrow. In this issue, we explore Home Depot’s expansions in the pro market, independent retail voices speaking at the next Hardlines Conference, and what dealers can learn from European drive-through operations. Hardlines Dealer News is monthly and it’s free: click here to subscribe now!

BMR and Pierre Naud continue Quebec expansion

BMR and member retailer Pierre Naud Inc. have announced the expansion of their footprint in the Mauricie region with the acquisition of five new branches. As of July 7, Groupe L’Acadien Bricoleur, a group of family-owned hardware stores active since 1985, has transferred its stores to Pierre Naud. The locations are in Bécancour (Saint-Grégoire and Gentilly), Daveluyville, Sainte-Croix, and Trois-Rivières.

“We are very pleased with this strategic acquisition, which marks an important step in the growth of our organization,” Pierre Naud president Marc-André Lebel said in a release. “By expanding our reach in this way, we are confident that we will open doors to new business opportunities with key players in the sectors we serve.”

RONA raises $365,000 for the Fondation Charles-Bruneau

RONA inc., has updated the results of its fundraising efforts from the recent Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau, held from June 28 to July 4. This year RONA has raised $365,000 towards children’s cancer research. Seventy-five cyclists from the company collectively rode more than 6,000 km in support of the cause, raising funds through their respective networks.