“American and Canadian Mayors should work in a more coordinated way to fight against a US/Canada trade war.
Yesterday the US Conference of Mayors issued a statement reinforcing what some municipal leaders in Canada have been saying for months; trade wars hurt cities.
On January 20, 2025 we launched a FromCityToCity.ca advertising campaign directed at participants in the presidential inauguration ceremonies in Washington DC. The message in my advertisement illustrated how a trade war would hurt both Canadian and US economies. More specifically, when a plant shuts down or slows down in a city or town, it’s our local jobs and economy that will feel it first and the most, regardless of what side of the border.
Yesterday US Mayors publicly agreed. I commend and thank the US Conference of Mayors who stated that tariffs would inflict severe economic harm on American businesses and consumers. The emergency motion passed by the US Conference of Mayors’ Executive Committee urges the Trump administration to reverse course and protect trade relations with Canada.
Taking a city-to-city approach, Canadian Mayors should issue a similar statement and consider holding an emergency meeting together with their American counterparts in solidarity with all municipalities who will be affected by tariffs and the trade war between Canada and the US.
As a local official from across the border, it is comforting to know that local officials in America get it and collectively stand with us in valuing our mutually beneficial trade relations. But more action is needed.
My hope is that Canadian Mayors take the lead and consider the statement by the US Conference of Mayors as an invitation to work together and take action with their American counterparts to stop the madness.”
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Media Contact: Rowena.Santos@brampton.ca
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