Mayor Brenda Locke says Surrey will support Canadian workers, businesses and industries amid growing Canada-U.S. trade tensions
SURREY, B.C. — Aug. 22, 2026: Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke says the city stands firmly with the Prime Minister and Team Canada following the latest developments in the Canada-U.S. trade relationship.
Locke said the federal government was right to reject what she described as an unfair agreement that could have harmed Canada’s economy and weakened the country’s independence.
“Canada negotiated in good faith, but no deadline and no threat of tariffs should force our country to accept a bad deal,” Locke said. “Canada must decide its own future, and Canadians must stand together to defend it.”
The mayor criticized the United States’ decision to impose 50 per cent tariffs on billions of dollars in Canadian goods, warning that the measures will affect workers, businesses and families on both sides of the border.
Locke said Surrey supports the federal government’s response and its efforts to protect Canadian jobs and industries.
As one of Canada’s largest and fastest-growing cities, Surrey is home to major businesses, industries and important trade routes. Locke said the city will examine its own purchasing practices to identify opportunities to support Canadian businesses, products and workers.
“I have asked staff to look closely at our procurement processes and identify opportunities to support Canadian businesses, products and workers wherever possible,” Locke said.
The mayor also said Surrey will work with federal and provincial partners and stand behind the city’s business community and residents whose jobs and livelihoods could be affected by the trade dispute.
While emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with the United States, Locke said the relationship must be based on fairness, trust and respect for Canada’s independence.
“Surrey’s position is clear: we stand with our workers, we stand with our businesses, and we stand with Canada,” Locke said.
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