Regional Chair and Mayors affirm support of local businesses in response to Canadian export tariffs

Whitby, Ontario – The following joint statement is being issued on behalf of the Durham Regional Chair and the Mayors from all eight local area municipalities of Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Clarington, Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge:

“On Saturday, February 1, the United States government announced it will impose a 25 per cent import tariff on most Canadian goods and a 10 per cent import tariff on energy beginning Tuesday, February 4. We are extremely disappointed with this decision. These tariffs will have serious and far-reaching impacts on the economies and livelihoods across Canada and the U.S. We stand with the federal and provincial government’s responses—the 25 per cent import tariffs on $155 billion of American goods beginning in the next 21 days are an unfortunate but necessary step as we align to stand up for our people and businesses.

While the Canada-U.S. trading relationship is important and worth protecting, we must also safeguard and support the businesses that are the backbone of our local economy and community. Hundreds of businesses in Durham Region, employing many thousands of workers, depend on exporting their products to the U.S. and on importing goods from American producers. We encourage residents and business owners to buy Canadian products and services when possible to support the local economy.

The ripple effect of U.S. tariffs on imports from Canada will be felt across our local economy. We will work with federal and provincial economic development agencies as they work to mitigate impacts on local businesses. We are committed to supporting the federal and provincial governments to reach a resolution and we are confident in the strength and resilience of our community.”  

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