During the Council meeting on Monday, February 10, 2025, Chatham-Kent Mayor Canniff addressed the threat of tariffs from the United States.
“Everyone has heard that and what is going on and just what was announced about steel and aluminum,” Canniff said, during the non-agenda portion of the meeting.
“Tariffs are going to impact our community significantly. We have an aluminum manufacturer right here in Chatham-Kent. If it gets spread out to other things, we have agriculture, we have automotive, it’s going to be some significant impacts.”
Mayor Canniff said tariffs have become a top priority for all of the mayoral he sits on, including Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM).
“Every group that I sit on, that certainly rose right to the top of concerns and issues,” Canniff said.
“What is it we can do as communities, as individuals? The one big thing that we’re hearing… shop Canadian, shop Ontario, shop local. When you’re at the grocery store, they’re now putting Canadian flags on items that are Canadian made, Canadian produced. So, I encourage everyone, when you have a choice, make sure you shop Canadian.”
U.S. President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on all foreign steel and aluminum will take effect on March 12, 2025.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Trudeau and President Trump agreed to delay the implementation of 25% U.S. tariffs on Canada for 30 days, until March 4, 2025.
