Tri-city mayors issue statements on Canada-U.S. trade

Mayors in the tri-cities in Waterloo Region have issued statements as Canada-U.S. trade tensions grow.

There’s ongoing uncertainty on both sides of the border after trade negotiations between the two countries collapsed.

Prime Minister Mark Carney suspended the talks over a week ago and announced that Canada will impose dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs beginning Sept. 8.

“We take this step reluctantly,” said Prime Minister Carney. “At the same time, we take this step confident that it is in the best interests of Canada. And that, by rejecting a bad deal, standing up for Canada, and focusing on what we can control, we will build Canada strong for all.”

U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration criticized Canada as 50 per cent U.S. tariffs took effect on roughly $28-billion worth of Canadian goods. 

Statement from Cambridge Mayor

Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett issued a statement to the community on Monday.

“This is not the first time that Canadians have been impacted by trade disagreements with the United States,” wrote Liggett. “Since the early 1900s, Canadians have faced and overcome uncertainty when negotiating trade deals with our neighbours to the south. History teaches us that we will overcome this too.”

Liggett said she’s heard concerns from businesses and families in Cambridge and will advocate to higher levels of government on their behalf.

“While this is a difficult time, it is also an opportunity to strengthen our economy, support local businesses, diversify our trade relationships, and come together as Canadians.”

Statement from Waterloo Mayor

Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe issued a statement on Tuesday on behalf of herself and city council, thanking the Prime Minister and his government for continuing to work on securing a good trade deal.

“We support the direction that no deal is better than a bad deal – especially one that could have long-term consequences. Even with a change in U.S. government, trade will not return to how it worked before.”

McCabe highlighted a recent $600,000 investment by the City of Waterloo to support an export-ready health tech sector that will create locate jobs, and other partnerships that aim to bolster regional innovation and reduce reliance on U.S. markets.

“We encourage all cities, provinces and residents across Canada to continue buying Canadian products,” wrote McCabe. “Closer to home, we are continuing our campaign to Support Local, Support Waterloo, focusing on sharing the stories of Waterloo businesses and encouraging a culture of supporting local among residents. Small, everyday choices can and will make a big difference.”

Statement from Kitchener Mayor

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic released a statement last week on the trade conflict.

“The breakdown of Canada–U.S. trade negotiations and the imposition of the new tariffs mark a deeply concerning escalation in an economic conflict that neither country ultimately wins,” wrote Vrbanovic.

“As Canadians, I believe we must stay united: Canada must remain open to negotiations, but we cannot accept a deal that compromises our economic interests or sovereignty or we cannot go back to the table if there isn’t a meaningful rationale provided by our US partners in this regard.”

Vrbanovic also announced the resumption of Kitchener’s Tariff and Trade Task Force, which was first formed last year.

The task force will look at ways to support tariff-affected businesses and workers, strengthen local and Canadian procurement, identify vulnerable industries and help companies diversify, and advocate for meaningful assistance.