In light of new U.S. imposed tariffs on Canadian products, Chatham-Kent’s Chamber of Commerce is urging municipal candidates to make economic resilience a core commitment in the upcoming election.
The Chamber issued a statement this week following the breakdown of Canada-U.S. trade negotiations and the implementation of 50 per cent tariffs on approximately $28 billion in Canadian products.
The business coalition said candidates running in Chatham-Kent’s upcoming election should be able to explain how they will keep business costs competitive through disciplined municipal budgets, predictable property taxes, development charges, fees, and user charges.
“Every candidate should be able to answer a basic question: how will your decisions make it easier, faster and more predictable to operate, invest and create jobs in your community?” said Rory Ring, president and CEO of the CK Chamber of Commerce, in a news release. “In a period of global uncertainty, a strong local economy is not a side issue – it is the foundation of a resilient community.”
Would-be elected officials are also being asked to explain how they would strengthen housing, transportation, and public safety; make local investment easier; and build resilient supply chains that support local and Canadian suppliers.
While municipal governments don’t negotiate trade agreements, the Chamber said municipal decisions directly affect whether employers can absorb external shocks, reinvest, and create jobs.
Canada has announced a dollar-for-dollar response to the U.S. tariffs and additional support for affected workers and businesses.