Thunder Bay Officials Address Rising Tariffs”
Thunder Bay Officials Respond to New U.S. Tariffs, Urge Caution
THUNDER BAY — Starting Tuesday, several new tariffs will be imposed on goods crossing the Canada-U.S. border, as announced by U.S. President Donald Trump.
In response, border city mayors from both countries, along with the Ontario and Canadian governments, began strategizing Friday to address the economic impact of these tariffs, which Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff referred to as “trumped up.”
“Canadian and American border cities have long-standing relationships,” Boshcoff stated. “We understand that both sides benefit from being friends and trading fairly, which has been the case for decades.”
To push for a resolution, border mayors are drafting letters urging a swift end to the trade dispute.
“When you have the world’s longest and safest border, you don’t want to put that relationship at risk,” Boshcoff added. “The unity among leaders should send a strong message to the U.S. president.”
Boshcoff reassured the Thunder Bay community to remain calm while officials analyze the situation’s full impact.
“The stone has been dropped in the water, and we’re seeing ripples,” he said. “Now, we need to assess how this will affect manufacturing, transportation, and trade.”
However, he acknowledged that if tariffs continue to increase, Thunder Bay, as a major trading hub, could be among the hardest-hit cities in Canada.
Economic Concerns for Thunder Bay
Charla Robinson, president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the heavy toll on the forestry sector.
“On top of the 13 per cent softwood lumber tariff, this adds another 25 per cent, bringing the total to 38 per cent,” Robinson explained. “That’s a substantial tax, particularly for lumber exports, which form a critical part of our economy.”
Beyond forestry, other sectors, including chemical production, food manufacturing, and medical supplies, could also feel the strain.
“The impact will be widespread, but forestry remains our biggest concern,” Robinson said. “If that sector takes a major hit, the entire local economy will suffer.”
A Call for Canadian Unity
Despite the challenges, Robinson sees an opportunity for Canada to strengthen internal trade.
“It’s time to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers,” she said. “Whether it’s wine from B.C. or other goods that face unnecessary restrictions, we should work toward a more unified national market to support Canadian businesses.”
As Thunder Bay and other border communities brace for potential economic challenges, officials continue pushing for a resolution while urging residents to stay informed and patient.
