ACT NOW: Impact of Retaliatory Tariffs on Lymphedema Patients
Lymphedema patients in Canada rely on imported medical compression garments—new tariffs will make them unaffordable. Help us demand an exemption!
What’s happening?
- In response to new U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports, the Government of Canada has introduced a 25% tariff on a list of American goods—including textiles
- Medical compression garments, which are used to treat lymphedema and numerous other medical conditions, fall under this broad textile classification (see tariff code 6115)
- These garments are medically necessary and unavailable from Canadian manufacturers
Why does this matter?
- Lymphedema is a chronic condition that leads to severe swelling, infections, and serious complications if not appropriately managed
- Compression garments are the most critical component of the only effective, medically recognized treatment—but they are already expensive and largely uncovered by public or private insurance
- There are no Canadian manufacturers of these garments. Canadians have no alternative but to import them.
- This tariff will make these essential medical supplies unaffordable for thousands of patients, forcing many to go without necessary treatment.
- Higher rates of unmanaged lymphedema will lead to increased hospitalizations, putting additional strain on Canada’s already overwhelmed healthcare system.
What we are asking for?
We urge Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc to:
- Recognize medical compression garments as essential medical devices rather than textiles.
- Grant an immediate exemption for these items from the 25% tariff on U.S. imports.
- Work with patient advocacy groups and industry stakeholders to ensure affordability and accessibility of these critical medical supplies.
What can you do?
- ✅ Sign the petition to exempt medical compression garments from the tariffs: SIGN NOW
- ✅ Print & pin this poster in your office, clinic, waiting room, or public bulletin board: See POSTER_Tariff Petition.pdf
- ✅ Share the petition link on social media or re-share our posts (Facebook | Instagram)
- ✅ Email your elected officials: EMAIL TEMPLATE_Tariff.docx
*****A list of contact email addresses is included in the template document*****
We are counting on you to share this petition with your networks. Every signature and every email sent can make a difference!
The entire team at the Alberta Lymphedema Association thanks you for your solidarity! Together, let’s make our voices heard to protect access to care for those suffering from lymphedema.
