Chatham-Kent’s mayor is rallying the troops as local officials brace for the impacts of a North American trade war.
Mayor Darrin Canniff has called a special council meeting to be held tomorrow evening to discuss what the municipality and its citizens can do to mitigate the impact of 25% U.S. tariffs imposed on Canadian goods.
Canniff says the tariffs will have a direct and harmful impact on Canada, Ontario, and Chatham-Kent, affecting businesses, the agriculture sector, and local residents.
“Many of our local businesses rely on cross-border trade, and increased costs due to tariffs threaten jobs and economic growth,” Canniff said in a social media post. “Our farmers, who are the backbone of our community, face higher costs for equipment and supplies, making it harder to stay competitive in a global market. For families, tariffs mean higher prices on essential goods, adding financial strain during already challenging times.”
While local residents are being encouraged to shop local and choose Canadian-made products whenever possible, Canniff says council and municipal staff are actively advocating to upper levels of government to push for fair trade policies.