By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
In the wake of Donald Trump’s continued tariff threats against Canada, Chatham-Kent is taking a “Team Canada” approach.
To that end, council passed a multi-faceted resolution at a special meeting March 6, called in response to 25 per cent tariffs imposed against Canadian goods by the United States government – much of which was postponed late that afternoon until April.
The C-K resolution directs administration to examine the municipality’s supply chains, purchasing power and to engage in advocacy to mitigate a potential trade war.
A strategy is needed, officials said, as every business sector in Chatham-Kent will be impacted either directly or indirectly if tariffs go ahead.
“It’s going to be painful across all sectors,” Stuart McFadden, head of Chatham-Kent’s Economic Development Services, told council, adding he wasn’t going to “sugarcoat” the damaging effects tariffs could have.
McFadden’s comments were part of a presentation to council outlining the ways the municipality can prepare. He said a number of initiatives are underway, including the creation of a tariff page on Chatham-Kent’s website to offer the latest information.
In his remarks, McFadden encouraged residents to stay calm, continue to invest in the economy and to “buy local” whenever possible.
“You’re supporting your next-door neighbour, you’re supporting your friends,” McFadden said. “You’re supporting the person who supports your child’s hockey team.”
McFadden said it’s all hands on deck going forward, with administration working with upper levels of government to bring supports to Chatham-Kent.
Ironically, in an about-face move only two hours before the meeting, Trump announced he was pausing most of the tariffs – imposed on Canada March 4 – until April 2. It’s the latest in a flurry of trade announcements made since the president took office.
According to McFadden, dealing with the tariff issue is difficult, as it keeps changing.
“One of the real challenges that we have is facing the unknown,” McFadden explained, but stressed that staff has been working with business and government leaders on the issue since the U.S. started talking about border issues, including the fact Trump would like to see Canada become the 51st state.
In the presentation, C-K chief financial officer Gord Quinton stressed that taking action is not a move against the American people.
“We’re all proud Canadians,” Quinton said. “Anything that we do here tonight isn’t anti-American, it’s anti-the-Trump-tariffs. That’s the issue. We have free trade agreements. We expect people to hold up their end of the bargain.”
In explaining the municipality’s “buy Canadian” spending, Quinton said it’s complicated because some goods and services – such as firetrucks – can only be purchased in the U.S. Plus, Chatham-Kent is legally bound by some of its purchasing agreements and it is still unclear what goods will be affected.
In his remarks, Mayor Darrin Canniff, said the tariff turmoil has created uncertainty for everyone.
“We would all prefer not to be here tonight,” Canniff told council. “What’s happening south of the border is impacting all of us. It’s terrible what’s going on. Every mayor, every municipality, every politician in this country is dealing with this right now.
“This is something we need to work on right across the nation,” he said, adding a solution will come from putting pressure on the average American, who in turn will pressure their government.
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault attended the session in person, with Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Trevor Jones and C-K-L MP Dave Epp attending virtually.
