Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Chair’s Statement: Canada-U.S. Trade and Tariff Uncertainty

From the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus

Eastern Ontario’s economy is deeply connected to the United States. Our manufacturers, farmers, port partners, forest producers, businesses and workers rely on strong cross-border trade and stable, predictable markets.

The ongoing tariff uncertainty is creating real challenges for businesses and communities across our region, with potential impacts on jobs, investment, supply chains and long-term competitiveness.

The Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) stands with Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Doug Ford as they work to protect Canadian and Ontario interests and support workers and businesses through this challenging trade environment.

The impacts of tariffs will not be felt equally across Canada. Municipalities are the closest level of government to the businesses, workers and families experiencing these impacts and need to be part of the conversation about how we respond.

This is why economic resilience is a key priority for the EOWC. Eastern Ontario has the talent, businesses, natural resources, transportation corridors and infrastructure to play a significant role in strengthening Canada’s economy. We must continue supporting businesses to adapt, diversify into new markets and strengthen domestic supply chains.

We also need continued investment in the infrastructure that keeps goods moving and economies growing. Roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems and other critical infrastructure are the foundation of economic competitiveness.

The EOWC encourages Prime Minister Carney and Premier Ford to continue working together, with municipalities and industry at the table, to protect jobs, strengthen supply chains and create new opportunities for investment and growth.

The EOWC will continue working with our federal and provincial partners to strengthen economic resilience and ensure Eastern Ontario is positioned to compete and prosper.

We are stronger when we work together as municipalities, as a province and as a country.

Bonnie Clark
Chair, Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus
Warden, Peterborough County