County CAOs unite in a Team Canada approach
Northumberland County Admin. Building. Courtesy of Northumberland County Facebook.
By Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland 89.7 FM News
Northumberland County
All eight Northumberland County CAOs have united to formulate a four-part plan to respond to steep tariffs that are expected to take effect next month.
Having just celebrated the 60th anniversary of Canada's iconic national flag, Northumberland County CAOs are standing united to reaffirm their commitment to Canada's economic resilience and independence.
A recent meeting of the Chief Administrative Officers and Economic Development Officers from all seven county municipalities has resulted in advancing a Team Canada approach – a coordinated response to the challenges posed by such recent trade development as the 25 percent tariffs on Canadian goods that the United States has announced will take effect March 5.
The result would be a far-reaching impact on local economies where industries and communities are deeply interconnected with the US.
“From construction materials and essential fleet parts to agricultural products and tourism, cross-border trade is vital to the health and prosperity of Northumberland and surrounding communities,” the announcement stated.
Discussions among these municipal officers resulted in a focus on four key areas of action.
Joint municipal purchasing – Treasurers and Finance Officers are exploring opportunities for joint purchasing initiatives that will allow local municipalities to leverage economies of scale, reduce the impacts of any tariffs, and ensure critical materials and services remain accessible for municipal operations.
Data collection and direct advocacy – Economic Development staff will gather data from local businesses to understand their specific risks and track the impacts of trade developments – data that will be used to strengthen direct advocacy with upper levels of government to ensure that the interests of these businesses and county residents are represented. County Warden Brian Ostrander has already sent letters to more than 60 US border communities seeking a collaborative approach to advocacy on both sides of the border, ensuring that expected economic impacts are well understood.
Regional advocacy for trade and local businesses – Local municipalities are engaged with and supporting the advocacy efforts of such organizations as the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus, Association of Municipalities of Ontario and Federation of Canadian Municipalities by gathering and sharing local data critical to presenting a clear and comprehensive picture (and ensuring Northumberland voices are included in this collective approach).
Buy Local initiative – Economic Development staff are co-ordinating a high-visibility Buy Local campaign to encourage residents to pledge an increased percentage of their monthly spending on locally produced goods and service, with the goal of ensuring the continued growth and health of the local economy (and reinforcing community pride).
Municipal leaders throughout the county are standing together to advocate for fair trade practices, and to champion local industries and businesses in the interests of protecting jobs and investing in a resilient future.
The press release closes with messages of support from all eight CAOs – Jennifer Moore of Northumberland County, Dave Dawson of the Township of Alnwick-Haldimand, Elana Arthurs of the Municipality of Brighton, Tracey Vaughan of the Town of Cobourg, Holly Grant of the Township of Cramahe, Arthur Anderson of the Township of Hamilton, Tonia Bennett (interim) of the Municipality of Port Hope and Lynn Phillips of the Municipality of Trent Hills.
