OTTAWA — With only days before the first round of tariffs take effect, Canada’s allies in Washington, D.C. are pushing for U.S. President Donald Trump to permanently rescind the measures, arguing a trade war would cause economic harm on both sides of the border.
U.S. Congressman Tim Kennedy, a Democrat from the Buffalo-Niagara region, highlighted the urgency of the situation during an interview with the National Post. He stated, "A tariff on Canada is a tax on Americans, and it sets off a trade war unnecessarily with our greatest ally and our greatest trading partner." This sentiment is echoed by many representatives, emphasizing the intertwined economies of the U.S. and Canada. Kennedy noted, "Our economies are intimately intertwined, and we ought to be enhancing our relationship, not destroying it."
Kennedy understands first-hand the repercussions tariffs could have on his constituents. He pointed out trade with Canada supports more than 27,000 jobs within his district, which witnesses $608 million worth of goods purchased by Canada every year, according to the Canadian government's data. He has been mobilizing local leaders and businesses to rally support to persuade the Trump administration against implementing these tariffs.
House representative meetings are not new for Kennedy. Earlier this year, he convened with Canadian premiers during their trip to Washington D.C. to discuss the looming issue. He expressed, "I’m doing everything in my power to preserve our relationship with Canada," stressing his deep concern over the tariffs. While Trump may have implied sole control over these policies, Kennedy clarified, "He doesn’t speak for all of us. We, on this side of the border, are equally as disturbed with his actions, and we’re fighting against them."
The tariffs were initially announced by Trump back in November, with 25 percent tariffs on all imports from Canada set to take effect on Jan. 20. He later pushed the deadline to Feb. 1, introducing lower tariffs of about 10 percent on energy imports. The anxiety reached its peak when, less than 12 hours before their initial enforcement, Trump announced under public pressure, a 30-day delay until March 4. He sought tougher border measures as part of the deal.
Kennedy stood with local business leaders to warn of the dire consequences of entering this trade war. On the day before the new tariffs were scheduled to be implemented, Kennedy, alongside 60 Democratic colleagues, penned a letter to the Trump administration urging them to rescind the executive order. Stressing the economic hardship inflicted by tariffs, the letter stated, "At a time when Americans are struggling to pay bills and put food on the table, the last thing they need is higher prices."
The shadow of tariffs continues to loom over both parties as Trump has even threatened additional tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and the automotive sector, alongside imposing “reciprocal tariffs” on Canada’s digital services tax. Kennedy remarked on these issues, reinforcing the reality, "So, entering a trade war is absolutely counterproductive to all of the promises made by the President of the United States to drive down the costs of goods and services."
Efforts are also underway at the legislative level as the U.S. House of Representatives witnesses considerable movement. Democratic U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Tim Kaine introduced the Stopping Tariffs on Allies and Bolstering Legislative Exercise of (STABLE) Trade Policy Act. This significant legislation aims to reclaim congressional authority over trade policy decisions, particularly with key partners such as Canada. Senator Coons reflected on this necessity, stating, "Congress gave the president the authority to impose tariffs so he could combat our enemies during national security crises, not to pursue grudges against our allies and neighbours."
Kennedy affirmed the bill has garnered substantial backing from his party, expressing confidence about passing it as they would need support from only three Republicans to succeed. The congressman's concerns were palpable as he stated, "Punishing Canada with tariffs makes no sense whatsoever. Jobs will be lost. Businesses will be hurt. Our relationship… is being damaged due to nonsensical approaches to our economy by a president who’s going unchecked by his own party."
With the March 4 deadline fast approaching, Congressman Kennedy acknowledges the necessity for public outcry in the U.S. against these tariffs. "My hope is cooler heads prevail through all of this," he concluded, emphasizing the significance of sustaining the longstanding relationship between the two neighbor countries.