On behalf of Ontario’s Big City Mayors, who represent 70% of Ontario’s population and almost 30% of Canada’s population, we support the actions of Prime Minister Mark Carney to recall his team from tariff negotiations with the U.S. government. We understand that this decision was a difficult one, but one that was necessary to preserve our economy, our sovereignty and strengthen our country as a whole.
Many of our municipalities sit on the Canada/U.S. border – or are very close to one – where trade between our two countries contributes to our local economies and provides jobs for our residents. We also have many key industries in our communities that would be significantly impacted by these tariffs including steel, lumber and manufacturing including the automotive sector.
Our residents and businesses understand the impact that these tariffs can have on our local economies, but they also understand the need to protect Canadian jobs, key industries and economic independence.
As we move forward, there will be significant challenges, and we stand with the Prime Minister and Canada’s Premiers in their commitment to a united approach as Team Canada.
This is a time to come together – provinces, municipalities, businesses, residents – to ensure Canada remains strong, united and focused – we are all part of Team Canada.
Marianne Meed Ward
Chair of Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM)
Mayor of Burlington
Cc. The Right Honourable Mark Carney, P.C., M.P., Prime Minister of Canada
The Honourable R.J. Simpson, Premier of the Northwest Territories and Chair of the Council of the Federation
The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario
About Ontario’s Big City Mayors
Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) is an organization that includes mayors of 29 single and lower-tier cities with a population of 100,000 or more, who collectively represent nearly 70% of Ontario’s population and almost 30% of Canada’s population. OBCM advocates for issues and policies important to Ontario’s largest cities.
Media Contacts
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Chair Angela Trewartha, Executive Director (Acting)
905-335-7777 647-308-6602