Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Mayor Matthew Shoemaker called U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs "reckless" and "short-sighted" in a statement issued on Saturday night.
The statement was issued after Trump vowed to levy a 10-per-cent tariff on energy and a 25-per-cent tariff on goods entering the U.S. from Canada.
“The decision to impose a tariff on Canadian goods is not just poor economic policy – it is reckless, short-sighted and will hurt businesses and workers on both sides of the border. There are no real winners in a trade war, just economic hardship for both Canada and the United States," Shoemaker said.
"Rather than strengthening economies, these tariffs create uncertainty and disrupt a trade relationship that has long benefited both nations," he said.
Nowhere is this benefit more evident than in Sault Ste. Marie, where Ontario and Michigan share more than just a name in the Twin Saults.
"We share an economy, a history of cooperation and an international bridge that links us together. Every day, thousands of Canadians and Americans cross this bridge for work, shopping or even just to play hockey. We all benefit from this reciprocity," Shoemaker said.
"I will continue to share this message with my American counterparts while working closely with the Border Mayors Alliance. I have been briefed on the expected impacts of the tariffs on local industries, in particular Algoma Steel.
"The city stands ready to support the actions of the federal and provincial governments in any way it can. They must respond swiftly and decisively.
"I urge them to shift focus from internal party concerns or electoral prospects to the financial prospects and real-life concerns of people across the country. Our economic future depends on it," he said.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Canadians at 9 p.m. on Saturday, letting them know he plans to retaliate with a 25-per-cent tariff against $155-billion worth of American goods entering Canada.
Tariffs on $30-billion worth of American products will start this Tuesday and $125 billion in additional tariffs will begin in 21 days.
"Unfortunately the actions taken tonight by the White House split us apart instead of bringing us together," Trudeau said.
Tariffs will be on American beer, wine, bourbon, fruit and fruit juices, shoes, major consumer products, household appliances, lumber, plastics and more.
