Trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada have impacted the production of hockey equipment. W. Graeme Roustan, owner of Roustan Hockey, the only manufacturer of sticks based in Canada, met with Federal Minister Evan Soloman to discuss these ongoing issues.
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Minister Evan Solomon visited the Roustan Hockey factory to discuss the ongoing tariff issues imposed on hockey sticks.
W. Graeme Roustan, owner of The Hockey News, released a statement following Monday's visit with Solomon to elaborate on the concerns that have arisen from these tariffs.
"The current trade environment is creating challenges for manufacturers across Canada," Roustan wrote. "We want to take this opportunity to thank our customers on both sides of the border for their continued trust and support.
"Despite these challenges, we remain committed to our employees, our customers and our manufacturing operations here in Canada."
The Roustan Hockey factory, located in Brantford, Ont., is the only stick manufacturer based in Canada. Each year the company produces around 400,000 traditional wood sticks, with nearly half being sold in the U.S.
Minister Evan Solomon (left) and W. Graeme Roustan (Photo Credit: The Hockey News)
In July, U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that he will be imposing an additional 50 percent in tariffs on a wide range of imports from Canada, including ice hockey equipment. These tariffs took effect on Aug. 22.
The Canadian government announced in a response on Aug. 25 that it will match the new U.S. tariffs dollar for dollar, with additional Canadian tariffs on U.S. goods. In addition, the government is also introducing a $7.5-billion package of relief funds to support Canadian workers and businesses that are impacted by these ongoing issues.
These measures are co-led by Solomon, among other financial ministers across the country.
"We welcome the national tariff relief measures being announced and Canada’s promise to help protect businesses and Canadian jobs," Roustan wrote. "We will need it to ensure world-leading, Canadian-owned companies like ours continue to invest, grow and manufacture in Canada for years to come.”
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