Maple Express | August 23, 2026 Will businesses pass along tariff costs to consumers? Here's what experts say

Source: CP24

1. Will businesses pass along tariff costs to consumers? Here's what experts say

On Aug. 23, after Canada-U.S. trade talks collapsed, Canadian businesses and industry leaders spoke out about whether the added tariff costs would be passed on to consumers. Gurdeep Matharu, business development manager at Ultra-Form Manufacturing in Toronto, told CTV News the company has been absorbing import tariff costs to keep customers.

"Just to keep the customers, we tell them, 'okay, it's an import tariff but we'll take care of you,'" Matharu said. But he added that "you can do that only so much." The company imports aluminum and steel from the U.S., processes them into car parts, and ships them back to Ohio and Michigan.

Dan Kelly, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, said the two big impacts on average Canadians are jobs and prices, and the price impact is likely to be "quite significant" and "fairly immediate." Jean Simard, president of the Aluminium Association of Canada, said Canada's economy "may bend, but there's a good chance it won't break."

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2. Alberta separation referendum moving ahead despite trade war, Smith says

On Aug. 23, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said on her radio program "Your Province Your Premier" that there will be no pause in Alberta's separation referendum, even as Canada faces economic attack from the United States.

A caller asked whether the revival of the trade war might mean it's time to put separation aside. Smith responded that 700,000 citizens signed one of two petitions asking to have the question now, and the vote is set for Oct. 19.

Smith said: "If you want to vote to remain (in Canada), vote option one. That's the one I'm voting for." She added she will do her "darndest" to make the argument that Alberta is scoring some "huge wins" as a province with Ottawa.

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3. Lightning and thunderstorms disrupt operations at Vancouver airport

On Aug. 23, an intense thunderstorm swept across B.C.'s Lower Mainland, disrupting operations at Vancouver International Airport and leaving passengers on dozens of flights stuck on the tarmac until early Sunday.

According to a statement from YVR, all departing flights were grounded between 9:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:55 a.m. Sunday. Many arriving flights were unable to taxi to the gate once landed. The airport was under a "red alert," and 39 aircraft were waiting when the alert was lifted at 2:55 a.m.

The storm also caused flooding inside the terminal, which did not impact operations. The B.C. Wildfire Service said more than 7,000 lightning strikes were recorded Saturday, sparking new blazes across the southern part of the province.

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4. Tractor-trailer in ditch closes Hwy. 401 ramp in Whitby

On Aug. 23, Ontario Provincial Police said a tractor-trailer entered a ditch late Sunday morning, closing a Highway 401 eastbound off-ramp in Whitby.

The ramp to Lake Ridge Road South was fully closed as of 11:30 a.m. while crews worked to remove the truck. No injuries were reported.

Drivers were asked to use alternate routes while removal efforts are underway. There is no word on when the road is expected to reopen.

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5. Special weather statement still in effect for Toronto; sunny skies return Tuesday

On Aug. 23, Toronto and most of southern Ontario remained under a special weather statement as multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms rolled through the region.

Environment Canada said additional rainfall amounts of 20 to 40 millimetres are possible. The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority issued a flood outlook watershed conditions statement, warning that shorelines, rivers and streams in its jurisdiction should be considered dangerous.

Environment Canada said the rain is expected to end later this evening. On Monday, it will be cloudy in Toronto with a 60 per cent chance of showers and a high of 20 C. Sunny skies are expected to return on Tuesday.

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6. BTS Army descends on Rogers Stadium ahead of K-pop band's Toronto show

On Aug. 23, fans of Korean pop group BTS, known as the Army, began flocking to Rogers Stadium in Toronto as early as 3 p.m. Saturday for the first of two shows the group is playing this weekend.

Many fans donned "Arirang" world tour merch and jerseys with their favourite members' names embroidered on them. Saturday night's sold-out show marks the first time the K-pop group plays in the city in over a decade, after their 2020 show was cancelled due to the pandemic.

The sky darkened Saturday afternoon and rain began falling at the outdoor venue in the city's Downsview area. Rogers Stadium announced a weather delay, but just before 8 p.m. it said the show would continue and everyone could return to their seats.

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7. 'Twin' nurses help Barrie twin girls in lengthy rehab

On Aug. 23, 10-year-old Barrie twin sisters Mylayna and Naya Soares, who are rehabilitating at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto, have had their recent weeks brightened by a pair of nurses known as the "nurse twins."

The twins were born prematurely at just 30 weeks. Mylayna has spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, while Naya has faced heart conditions, scoliosis and a limb difference. Nurses Joshua Legaspi and Michael Feir started the same day, work most of their shifts together, and regularly dress up as "twins."

On top of taking care of the Soares girls, the two nurses have entertained them with antics including cartwheels and tag games. Their mother Stephanie Soares said the nurses take the girls for walks and encourage them to use their new equipment. The twins will be discharged this week.

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8. Small seaplane crashes in woods near St. John's, N.L., injuring both men on board

On Aug. 23, a small seaplane crashed into the woods Saturday night while trying to land on water near St. John's, N.L., injuring both men on board.

The Merlin GT plane lost power as it was attempting to land on Paddy's Pond, about 15 kilometres southwest of St. John's, said Jeff Hatcher, a platoon chief with the St. John's Regional Fire Department. The plane went down in the nearby woods just after 7 p.m.

The two men on board managed to get out of the wreck before first responders arrived. One walked out of the woods to the highway, and the other needed help from a helicopter. Both were taken to hospital, neither with serious injuries. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is investigating.

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9. Trump waves the green flag to start the IndyCar race in Washington

On Aug. 23, Washington hosted an IndyCar race through its streets, with U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump kicking off the Freedom 250 Grand Prix by leading a slow lap in the presidential limousine.

The president then waved the green flag to start the race, and drivers began whipping through downtown, including a stretch along Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House. The open-wheel race saw cars reach speeds approaching 200 mph.

The race is the latest of Trump's celebrations this year to mark America's 250th birthday, following events including a UFC fight on the White House lawn, military aircraft flyovers and a July Fourth fireworks show.

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10. Nordic soccer associations have 'lost confidence' in FIFA boss Infantino

On Aug. 23, six Nordic national soccer associations piled more pressure on embattled FIFA President Gianni Infantino, saying they had "lost confidence" in his leadership.

The associations from Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland and the Faeroe Islands issued a joint statement saying they view the organization's governance and decision-making at the highest level with great concern, and they stand united with UEFA.

Infantino faces pressure to resign after his plans to sell future World Cup profits to private investors triggered a backlash. The Nordic associations called for a fully independent external investigation and for FIFA to initiate a comprehensive and independent review of its governance framework.

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