Osoyoos Duty Free Shop struggles amid looming tariffs – Okanagan [Video]

During a time when we are being encouraged to buy local, a Canadian business has to rely on Americans to keep their business afloat.

The ongoing trade war with the U.S. has slowed what was once a steady stream of customers to the Osoyoos Duty-Free Shop from both sides of the border.

“I can’t sell to other markets. I have to have people coming into my store, purchasing and driving to the United States,” said Cameron Bissonnette, Osoyoos Duty Free Shop owner.

Bissonnette has taken on a new career adventure in real estate finance to make ends meet.

“I haven’t paid myself out of this business since about June of last year and that’s been challenging as well,” said Bissonnette.

“We don’t have as many goods on our shelf right now; we have cut back on our ordering.”

Bissonnette is the second generation of the Osoyoos Duty Free Shop and is now calling on the federal government for support.

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