Northumberland municipalities unite to support 'Team Canada' approach to US tariffs and recent trade developments

Northumberland County Admin. Building. Courtesy of Norhumberland County.

By: Natalie Hamilton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, KawarthaNOW

Northumberland County's seven member municipalities are embracing a "Team Canada" approach in light of recent trade developments and the proposed U.S. tariffs.

Following a recent meeting of municipal CAOs and economic development officers, all seven municipalities are advancing the approach as a co-ordinated response to the current economic challenges, particularly the threat of 25 per cent U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods expected to take effect today.

"Local municipalities are working together to ensure Northumberland's concerns are heard by all levels of government," Northumberland County CAO Jennifer Moore told kawarthaNOW. "We are teaming up to support local businesses, bolster our economy, and strengthen pride in our community."

The county announced the "Team Canada" approach on the heels of Canada's recent celebration of the 60th anniversary of the maple leaf flag, and as a way to  "proudly reaffirm their commitment to Canada's economic resilience and independence."

According to a media release from the county, the proposed tariffs would have "a far-reaching impact" on local economies in Ontario where industries and communities are deeply interconnected with the U.S. 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. 

When representatives from the county and the seven member municipalities gathered to discuss how best to respond to these challenges and protect the region's economic interests, they zeroed in on the four areas of action listed below.

1. 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 impact of any tariffs, and ensure critical materials and services remain accessible for municipal operations.

2. Data collection and direct advocacy

Economic Development staff will be collecting data from local businesses to understand the specific risks they face and to track the impacts of trade developments. This data will be used to strengthen direct advocacy efforts with upper levels of government, ensuring that the interests of Northumberland businesses and residents are represented.

Northumberland County Warden Brian Ostrander has also sent letters to more than 60 US border communities seeking a collaborative approach to advocacy with officials on both sides of the border, ensuring that expected economic impacts are well-understood.

3. Regional advocacy for trade and local businesses

Local municipalities are engaged with and supporting the advocacy efforts of organizations such as the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities by gathering and sharing local data "critical to a clear economic picture." 

"Adding Northumberland voices to this collective approach will elevate our message, ensuring local concerns are heard."

4. Buy local initiative

Economic Development staff are coordinating a high-visibility "buy local" campaign, which will encourage residents to pledge an increased percentage of their monthly spending on locally produced goods and services. The goal is to support local businesses, ensure the continued growth and health of the local economy, and reinforce community pride. More about this campaign will be released in the coming weeks.

In addition, as part of the Team Canada approach, municipal leaders in Northumberland County are standing together to advocate for fair trade practices and champion local industries and businesses. 

Supporting Canadian businesses means protecting jobs, strengthening the economy, and investing in a resilient future, the release noted. 

"In light of the threat of increased tariffs on both sides of the border, there is more strength in working together as a collective voice," said Dave Dawson, CAO of the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand, in a statement. "Unified, we are better positioned to advocate for the protection and growth of our local economy."

"Trade with the United States has been a cornerstone of Canada's economy for decades," said Hamilton Township CAO  Arthur Anderson. "As we navigate current challenges, we remain committed to a collaborative, team-oriented approach to support local businesses, safeguard jobs, and ensure long-term prosperity for our communities and our country."

Meanwhile, Municipality of Port Hope's interim CAO Tonia Bennett, said, "It's more important than ever that we come together, not just as individual municipalities but as a collective force for positive change. By aligning our advocacy efforts and sharing vital data, we are amplifying our voices and making sure our concerns are heard at all levels of government." 

The executive order that U.S. President Donald Trump signed in early February, after he agreed to pause the tariffs for 30 days, states they will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday. However, there is some confusion as to whether they will be as high as 25 per cent on Canadian goods and 10 per cent on Canadian energy as originally announced.

While the U.S. commerce secretary Howard Lutnick has confirmed U.S. President Donald Trump will impose the tariffs on Tuesday, he did not confirm their magnitude and scope.

"It's a fluid situation," Lutnick said in an interview with Fox News on Sunday. "There are going to be tariffs on Tuesday on Mexico and Canada. Exactly what they are I'm going to leave that for the president and his team to negotiate." 

Meanwhile, newly re-elected Premier Doug Ford said at a media conference on Monday that he was prepared to cut energy to American states like New York, Michigan, and Minnesota if the U.S. moves ahead with the tariffs. He also encourages consumers, retailers, and municipalities to source goods from Ontario or from elsewhere in Canada.