Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters (I.E. Canada)

The Canadian Importers Association, now known as the Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters Inc., was formed in the aftermath of World War I by Canadian importers. These importers faced difficulties from fluctuations of German exchange rates, high tariff barriers and protectionism worldwide. Throughout the 1920s, the Association made numerous representations to government, primarily regarding the German situation. With the situation successfully resolved, the Association was disbanded after three years. Again in 1931, facing the imposition of higher duties and endeavouring to combat the tendency toward embargoes on international trading, importers decided to reactivate the Association. The Canadian Importers and Traders Association was formed at a public meeting, in June 1932, at the King Edward Hotel in Toronto. Permanent offices were established three years later in Toronto. In 1936, the Association was formally incorporated as a private, non-profit organization. The Association's first successful action occurred in 1932, when the group sought a reduction in the fixed value of the Pound Sterling from $4.40 to $4.25 for customs purposes. In 1935, the Association was credited by Prime Minister Bennett as being largely responsible for bringing about a Tariff Board Review of the automotive industry.