Niagara is home to four Canada-U.S. border crossings that see a cumulative $100 billion worth of trade pass through each year. Pictured: Lewiston-Queenston Bridge. Photo Credit: Wikipedia.
On Tuesday, March 4, U.S. President Donald Trump instituted 25 per cent tariffs on nearly all Canadian exports to the United States. Some tariffs have since been delayed and/or rescinded, but Canadian officials have been adamant that Trump’s actions sparked a trade war.
The tariffs arrived following a long winter of complaints from Trump directed toward Canada regarding what he has deemed to be insecure borders, drug trafficking and unfair trade practices. The President has also repeatedly stated his desire for Canada to become a part of the United States.
Despite long hours of negotiations between Canadian and American counterparts, Trump’s plan for the tariffs remains ambiguous and unpredictable. What is known, however, is that the longer they stay in effect, the more devastating the impact on the economic vitality of Canadian workers and businesses will be.
Niagara is home to four Canada-U.S. border crossings that see a cumulative $100 billion worth of trade pass through each year. Local business owners and employees in manufacturing industries are anticipating major challenges and disruptions if the tariffs are not quickly removed.
Wayne Redekop is the Mayor of Fort Erie and is working closely with the Border Mayors Alliance, a collaborative group which seeks to advance the economic interests of border communities.
“This should serve as a wake-up call to all Canadians,” Redekop said. “We must take decisive action to strengthen our own economic future by eliminating internal trade barriers, promoting the development of industries that process our own minerals and raw resources, diversifying our markets, and reinforcing partnerships with historic allies across the border.”
Niagara-on-the-Lake Mayor Gary Zalepa, whose Town is also a member of the Border Mayors Alliance, advocated supporting local products and businesses and emphasized the importance of working with all levels of government to prioritize fiscal stability.
“While we cannot control international trade decisions, we can communicate the concerns of the Town,” Zalepa stated. “We will continue to work with our partners, advocate for fair trade policies, and stand up for our local economy.”
“We encourage residents and businesses to stay engaged, share their concerns, and support efforts to protect our economic future.”
Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley and Niagara Mayors released a joint statement in response to the start of the Trade War on Tuesday. Municipal leaders recognized the gravity of the situation but expressed confidence that Niagara would persevere through the storm that lies ahead.
“Throughout this uncertainty, we must not lose sight of the remarkable resilience that defines Niagara as a community,” the statement reads. “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.”
Talks between the two countries are expected to continue throughout the weekend, ahead of the March 9 federal Liberal leadership election. Opinion polls are projecting that Mark Carney is on track to win the contest and become Canada’s next prime minister.
Nick Redekop completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labour Studies at Brock University. He has previously served in municipal and federal politics. In his free time, Nick enjoys following sports, taking part in outdoor activities, and reading biographies. Nick resides in Niagara Falls
