Statement from Regional Chair and Niagara Mayors on imposition of American tariffs on Canadian goods

St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe joined the Regional Chair and fellow Niagara Mayors in issuing the following statement on March 4, regarding the imposition of American tariffs on Canadian goods:

Today, the U.S. government imposed new tariffs on all Canadian goods coming into their country, and in so doing has threatened one of the closest, longest-standing and most productive trade relationships in history.
While it is unfortunate that we have come to this point, we would like to commend and thank both our Federal and Provincial governments, who over the last two months have made every effort to avoid a trade war with our closest trading partner.

It is still too early to fully assess the effect these tariffs will have. However, here in Niagara, our traditionally close ties with our American neighbours, our strong tourism and manufacturing industries, and our identity as a border community all mean that we will feel the effects of these taxes in a unique way. Despite this, Niagara’s Regional and Local councils remain united in supporting and advocating for our local businesses and workers.

All of our councils and staff will continue working with our chambers of commerce and other business organizations to advocate for supports that meet the unique needs of Niagara’s economy. We will do this through both direct advocacy with the federal and provincial governments, and through organizations like the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Mayors and Regional Chairs of Ontario, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

We also continue to work productively with our counterparts in the State of New York, including through the Border Mayors Alliance and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, to develop joint advocacy efforts. We are also working to directly support our local businesses, through ‘Support Local’ campaigns, reviews of municipal procurement policies, and others.

While we pursue every avenue we can locally, we must recognize that the true, long-term solution to these issues can only come through the continued diplomatic efforts of our Federal government. We therefore call on that government to continue advocating for Canada’s interests, and to do everything in its power to bring these tariffs to an end.

It has become clear that our country is entering a new economic reality that will be marked by uncertainty. Our region, province and country must adapt by working together to reduce interprovincial trade barriers, diversify Canada’s export market, strengthen relationships with U.S. industry where we can, and create new economic ties with countries around the world. These are priorities that all of our municipalities will be strongly advocating for at every opportunity.

Throughout this uncertainty, we must not lose sight of the remarkable resilience that defines Niagara as a community. We have weathered other periods of economic upheaval, most recently during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we will endure this challenge in like fashion, by leveraging Niagara’s strengths and by supporting each other, as governments, as businesses, as employees and as residents. We encourage all of Niagara to seek out ways to support those local businesses that are truly the pride of our community.

Finally, we must strive to maintain the positive relationships that we have held for so long with our American neighbours. Our everyday interactions must be marked by civility, good will, and the optimistic hope that our two governments will soon re-establish the close bonds of cooperation and friendship that have long been the envy of the world.

Respectfully,

Chair Jim Bradley, Niagara Region; Mayor Cheryl Ganaan, West Lincoln; Mayor Frank Campion, Welland; Mayor Jim Diodati, Niagara Falls; Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa, Niagara-on-the-Lake; Mayor Sandra Easton, Lincoln; Mayor Brian Grant, Wainfleet; Mayor Jeff Jordan, Grimsby; Mayor Marv Junkin, Pelham; Mayor Wayne Redekop, Fort Erie; Mayor Mat Siscoe, St. Catharines; Mayor Bill Steele, Port Colborne; and Mayor Terry Ugulini, Thorold