Canadians react to recent tariffs, impact on border relationships
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FORT ERIE, ON (WIVB) -- Canadians worry that the recently imposed tariffs on automobiles, auto parts, aluminum and steel are furthering the strain between Canada and the United States.
"I just don't understand it all," said Elizabeth Rossi, a resident of Fort Erie, Ontario. "At this point, why are we calling the Peace Bridge the Peace Bridge?"
Rossi, along with other Canadians, are avoiding driving over the Peace Bridge into Buffalo.
"Will it affect our relationship, friendship per se, from the American people?" Rossi said. "It's just that we look at their government differently, that's the threat — not the people, the government."
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on goods imported from Canada.
Fort Erie, Ontario, Mayor Wayne Redekop said the recent tariffs have already affected Canadian businesses with layoffs and supply chain issues.
"What happens today is going to be defining as to where Canada goes next in terms of its trade relationship, in terms of its security relationships and in terms of how it regards what until a couple months ago was considered to be a very reliable friend, alley, neighbor and security partner," Redekop said. "That's been changing and has a big impact so far."
Redekop is hopeful that despite the tariffs, communities sharing a border will continue to have strong relationships.
"Resentments build up and people are people, they look at threats unkindly and they may act out," he said. "We're trying to keep a cap on it and we think we will be able to do that, but the challenges will increase the longer the tariffs or the tariff threats remain in existence."
"When we're pressed in a hockey game, elbows up," he said. "Our elbows are up, not because we don't like the American people, we just have major issues with the American administration and the threats it poses to our Canadian way of life."
Sarah Minkewicz is an Emmy-nominated reporter and Buffalo native who has been a part of the News 4 team since 2019. Follow Sarah on Twitter @SarahMinkewicz and click here to see more of her work.