With the threat of US-imposed tariffs still hanging over Canada, Chatham-Kent’s mayor is encouraging area residents to think about buying Canadian.
US President Donald Trump announced late Monday that a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian goods would be paused for the next 30 days after reaching an agreement with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
However, Mayor Darrin Canniff said everyone should see this situation as an opportunity.
“We really need to start thinking about our future and supporting Canada and diversifying where we’re buying stuff from and where we’re selling stuff,” said Canniff. “This is a real opportunity for us to start thinking to buy Canadian again. Buy Chatham-Kent, buy Ontario, buy Canada. Be cognizant when you’re in the supermarket or wherever it is about the stuff being made in Canada.”
Canniff called the trade dispute between the United States and Canada a ridiculous prospect.
“Canada is their best trading partner, their best friend forever and he decides to declare [a trade] war on us. It’s an economic war,” he said.
While it’s likely few if any, Canniff added that he has asked administration to look into how many US-based suppliers the municipality currently relies on.