Council directed Chatham-Kent staff to continue working to address the impacts of the Canada-U.S. “trade war” during a special meeting on Thursday, March 6, 2025.
“We would all prefer not to be here tonight,” Mayor Darrin Canniff, who called for the meeting, said at the Civic Centre during his opening remarks.
“What is happening south of the border is impacting all of us. It’s terrible what is going on. Every mayor, every municipality, every politician in this country are dealing with this right now.”
Gord Quinton, chief financial officer, Dave Taylor, director of legal services and Stuart McFadden, director of economic development, provided a presentation to Council along with a draft motion for consideration.
Chatham Councillor Brock McGregor moved the motion, which was approved, and reads as follows:
Chatham-Kent Municipal Council directs administration to continue its work to address the impacts of this trade war, to immediately work on the following list of actions, and to work on any other matters that could be relevant to address the impact of these unfair tariffs:
1. Administration continue its work on addressing tariff impacts, including the review of:
a. Approaches taken by other municipalities to ensure Chatham-Kent is adopting best practices;
b. Supply chains for major purchases and products that may be impacted by tariffs;
c. Legal options for adjusting contracts and procurement processes to reduce Chatham-Kent exposure to tariffs;
d. Employment and support services for citizens whose jobs may be impacted by tariffs;
e. Opportunities to advance major projects to assist in economic stimulus;
2. Economic Development continue to:
a. Connect with local businesses to understand impacts that tariffs are having;
b. Enhance existing Buy Local campaigns to help support local businesses and provide citizens with information about their purchasing decisions;
c. Be prepared to assist businesses with accessing senior government programs that may become available.
3. Administration be directed to support upper levels of government’s “Team Canada” approach, including participating in municipal association work, and preparing advocacy to senior levels of government to address any barriers Chatham-Kent faces, and to advance the needs of our local companies;
4. Administration continue to update the www.Chatham-Kent.ca/TariffSupport webpage to keep citizens updated on the impacts of tariffs and relief programs that become available;
5. Administration report to the Mayor and Council regarding any opportunities for political collaboration between Chatham-Kent and other municipalities, municipal associations and cross-border initiatives;
6. Administration return to Council for any necessary funding requests and with updates on progress on each of the items in this motion.
7. That a letter be sent to the Federal and Provincial Governments to consider all means to decrease costs to Canadians.
8. That this resolution be shared with local MP’s, MPP’s, AMO, FCM, ROMA, OBCM, Border Mayor Alliance and all Ontario Municipalities.
MPP Steve Pinsonneault was in attendance on Monday night, while MP Dave Epp and MPP Trevor Jones participated virtually.
Mayor Canniff released the following statement after the meeting.
“Tariffs have a direct and harmful impact on Canada, on Ontario, and on Chatham-Kent; affecting our businesses, our agricultural sector, and our residents,” Canniff said, in a media release.
“Many of our local businesses rely on cross-border trade, and increased costs due to tariffs threaten jobs and economic growth. 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. Now, more than ever, I am calling on Chatham-Kent residents to support each other by buying local, shopping local, and choosing Canadian-made products whenever possible. Our community is strong, and by working together, we can lessen the impact.
Canniff added: “Chatham-Kent Council and Municipal staff are actively advocating to upper levels of government to push for fair trade policies that protect our businesses, farmers, and residents. We will continue to fight for a fair deal for our country and our community.”
While the situation is fluid and ever-evolving, we’ll continue providing details about the situation as they become available.
