Canadian border mayors strike new alliance ahead of expected Trump tariffs

Canadian mayors of cities and town along the Canada-U.S. border are uniting to form a new partnership.

The Border Mayors Alliance is intended to serve as a unified, national voice to "safeguard" communities and bring a municipal perspective to an international discussion.

The move is in response to months of threats from Donald Trump to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all goods imported from Canada into the U.S. Most recently, the president has circled Feb. 1 on the calendar as the day he'll start with the inflated tax.

The mayor of Windsor, Ont., which borders Detroit, is serving as the alliance's chair.

"We witness first hand the interconnected prosperity our communities contribute to the national economy firsthand," said Drew Dilkens in a statement.

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Dilkens said the Canada-U.S. trade relationship is one of the largest trade relationships in the world and includes a vast regional diversity such as manufacturing, technology and innovation and highly integrated supply chains.

"Our two nations have never faced a circumstance that so profoundly threatens our shared economy and poses such devastating impacts on our country, our cities, and our families," he said.

Dilkens said the impact of tariffs would affect joint cross-border ventures, and ripple through border communities and be felt on "every level."

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"The alliance has already begun identifying alternative supply chains to mitigate immediate disruptions and we are working together to develop contingency strategies," Dilkens said. "We call upon industry leaders, the Canadian government, provincial governments, and our American neighbours to join us in this crucial moment for unity."

According to Dilkens, safeguarding Canada's economy requires "proactive preparation" for potential economic impacts. 

"Canadians are strong and resilient, and it is imperative that we unite now more than ever."