Surrey, BC – The City of Surrey has joined forces with several major Canadian cities to form the Border Mayors Alliance, a united front against the imminent threat of a proposed 25% U.S. tariff on Canadian goods.
With over 20% of Surrey businesses engaged in direct trade with the United States , representing approximately $2.8 billion in annual cross-border commerce – the economic impact of these tariffs could be devastating.
“If these tariffs go into effect, we could see hundreds of local jobs at risk, significantly impacting Surrey’s economy,” said Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke. “While the Border Mayors Alliance is made up mainly of border cities, the ripple effects of these tariffs will resonate far beyond Surrey, threatening the affordability of essential goods and services for all Canadian cities, a burden that our citizens simply cannot bear.”
“This situation is ever-evolving, demanding immediate action to counteract the looming pressures on our economy,” said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, Chair of the Border Mayors Alliance. “There’s a reason that it’s called a ‘trade war’ – there are casualties on both sides.
Canada, as the largest U.S. trading partner, is expected to feel the immediate effects of these tariffs. Currently, more than 75% of Canadian exports are destined for American markets.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that the tariffs will take effect this Saturday, stating that oil exports from Canada ‘may or may not’ be included in the final measures.
The Border Mayors Alliance is calling for urgent discussions with federal officials in both countries to prevent an economic downturn that could impact industries, jobs, and consumers on both sides of the border.