Regional Chair Jim Bradley argued that civility must prevail. Pictured: Regional Chair Jim Bradley. Photo Credit: Niagara Region.
In the wake of the Trump administration’s decision to impose tariffs on Canadian goods entering the U.S. market last week, Regional Chair Jim Bradley issued a lengthy statement, outlining his concerns about the tariffs, his relationships with leaders of other border communities, and what he would like to see from the federal government in terms of actions to be taken and next steps.
Bradley began by giving credit to both the Trudeau and Ford governments for efforts made by both federal and provincial leaders to try to work with the Trump administration and address its concerns in order to try to avoid tariffs. He noted that the Trump administration’s decision to impose tariffs on Canada poses a major threat to what has until recently been one of the closest bilateral relationships in the world.
In terms of the exact impact Bradley expects Trump’s tariffs to have on the Niagara community, the Regional Chair says it’s a little early to say, although Bradley warned that the Niagara Region will be one of the hardest hit communities in Canada.
“It is too early to fully assess the effect these tariffs will have,” said Bradley. “However, here in Niagara, our traditionally close ties with our American neighbours, our strong tourism and manufacturing industries, and out 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.”
Bradley pledged that he would work closely with local chambers of commerce and other business organizations to push for financial supports from more senior levels of government to weather the storm created by these tariffs. Bradley committed to strong advocacy through organizations like the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to get things done.
Bradley noted that the Region will also support “Buy Local” campaigns and will continue to have dialogue with communities on the American side of the border. Because of Niagara’s close proximity to the United States, leaders on both sides of the border have friendly and personal relationships.
Moreover, Bradley warned Niagara Region residents that the Region, and Canada generally, will likely face economic uncertainty from the Trump administration for the foreseeable future.
The statement concluded with a call for Niagara Region, and Canada generally, to maintain its historically close relationship with the United States.
“We must strive to maintain the positive relationships that we have held for so long with our American neighbours,” said Bradley. “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.”
While the Trump administration has walked back some of its tariffs on Canada for the remainder of March, only goods compliant with the USMCA will receive a reprieve. According to reports, that represents less than half of the goods Canada sends into the United States, meaning tariffs will still have a biting impact.
Jay Goldberg is the Ontario Director at the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. He previously served as a policy fellow at the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. Jay holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Toronto.
