By Doug Dougherty, CEO, Cooper Equipment Rentals. Published by Site News.

Doug Dougherty says supporting local businesses can create long-term strength.

In an era marked by global uncertainty, economic volatility, and shifting trade dynamics, Canadian businesses are rethinking their strategies for resilience and growth.

Doug Dougherty, CEO of Cooper Equipment Rentals, has a path forward: double down on Canadian roots, invest locally, and build partnerships that last. In this exclusive Q&A, Dougherty shares his thoughts on the impact of tariffs, the role of equipment rental in Canada’s infrastructure boom, and why supporting Canadian businesses is not just patriotic — it’s strategic.

SiteNews: After the industry worked through the COVID-19 pandemic and major supply chain disruptions during the past few years, what was your reaction when you learned that tariffs could throw another major challenge in front of the sector?

Dougherty: Tariffs are the latest reminder that we can’t afford to take stability for granted. If it wasn’t a priority before, it’s hard to deny now just how important it is to invest in Canadian businesses and supply chains. This isn’t about drawing lines or pointing fingers. It’s about making smart, strategic choices that strengthen our economy and our communities.

At Cooper, we’ve made a deliberate shift to invest locally – choosing Canadian-owned suppliers wherever we can and building partnerships that last. Because when we support each other, we build something stronger than any single challenge. That’s the kind of country we want to be part of.

READ the full article at Site News.