Chatham-Kent’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) isn’t mincing words.
Gord Quinton spoke out against American tariffs during a special council meeting held at the Civic Centre Thursday night.
“We thought COVID was an upset to our economies, this could be far worse depending on where it goes over the next few months,” said Quinton.
Municipal staff gave those in attendance and tuning in, including Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault, Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Trevor Jones and MP Dave Epp a background on the tariff dispute, and information on supply chains.
CK Mayor Darrin Canniff explained that this was the first council meeting of its kind, and that notes would be forwarded on to other municipalities asking for their feedback.
“I believe we have captured a lot of what we can do. We are fairly limited, we don’t have the resources that the federal and provincial government does as far as coming and helping businesses and individuals who are impacted financially,” said Canniff.
A major area of concern was farmers being tariffed here over livestock they were sending south of the border.
“What choice do you have as the local farmer right now?” Quinton asked. “Technically it’s a tariff that is to be paid by the American consumer, but the pain gets shared by both sides of the border.”
Canniff agreed.
“We are already experiencing, two days in, hardships on farmers,” said Canniff.
Another area of potential concern was what could happen if a large portion of the municipality was suddenly unemployed.
“Our staff is definitely prepared,” said Quinton.
“Keep in mind we administer Ontario Works programs funded by the provincial government…We do the administration and working with the clients. We are definitely prepared for that.”
The municipality plans to implement a support website, connect with local businesses, and encourage residents to buy local. The resolution presented to council also includes reviewing best practices from other municipalities and legal options, and calls for support from upper levels of government as well as organizations such as the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
“I can’t imagine a sector in Chatham-Kent that’s not going to be impacted directly or indirectly,” said CK Director of Economic Development Stuart McFadden.
The full resolution reads:
- Administration continue its work on addressing tariff impacts, including the review of:
a) Approaches taken by other municipalities to ensure Chatham-Kent is adopting best practices;
b) Supply chains for major purchases and products that may be impacted by tariffs;
c) Legal options for adjusting contracts and procurement processes to reduce Chatham-Kent exposure to tariffs;
d) Employment and support services for citizens whose jobs may be impacted by tariffs;
e) Opportunities to advance major projects to assist in economic stimulus; - Economic Development continue to:
a) Connect with local businesses to understand impacts that tariffs are having;
b) Enhance existing Buy Local campaigns to help support local businesses and provide citizens with information about their purchasing decisions;
c) Be prepared to assist businesses with accessing senior government programs that may become available. - Administration be directed to support upper levels of government’s “Team Canada” approach, including participating in municipal association work, and preparing advocacy to senior levels of government to address any barriers Chatham-Kent faces, and to advance the needs of our local companies;
- Administration continue to update the Chatham-Kent.ca/TariffSupport webpage to keep citizens updated on the impacts of tariffs and relief programs that become available;
- Administration report to the Mayor and Council regarding any opportunities for political collaboration between Chatham-Kent and other municipalities, municipal associations and cross-border initiatives;
- Administration return to Council for any necessary funding requests and with updates on progress on each of the items in this motion.
- That a letter be sent to the Federal and Provincial Governments to consider all means to decrease costs to Canadians.
- That this resolution be shared with local MP’s, MPP’s, AMO, FCM, ROMA, OBCM, Border Mayor Alliance and all Ontario Municipalities.
CK’s response and resolution to tariffs was voted through 14-0.
