Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham Fights Against Tariffs
Mayor Scott Gillingham went to the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) to talk about the impacts of American tariffs on the Canadian economy. He spoke in front of 50 American mayors encouraging them to reach out to Congress and protest the new tariffs.
“We wanted them to understand that imposing tariffs will only hurt their citizens and our citizens,” said Gillingham in a telephone interview, “It threatens jobs, it threatens pay cheques.”
President Donald Trump increased the tariffs by twenty-five percent. Starting March fourth, Canadian businesses and government must pay 25% more to sell their products in America.
Coun. Russ Wyatt (Transcona) said Winnipeg is facing a potential recession now because of the impending tariffs. He grew up during the recession in the 90s.
“The unemployment rate (during the recession in Winnipeg), especially amongst youths, was one of the highest in the country,” said Wyatt today at the Winnipeg City Council meeting.
Gillingham said to counteract that, it’s important to be “investor-ready.” This requires the City of Winnipeg to make land serviceable so it’s easier for Canadian businesses to set up shop here.
“We want them to create jobs,” said Gillingham in a telephone interview. This will benefit the people of Winnipeg and Canadian businesses at this time.
Gillingham said it would be good for the provinces of Canada to lift inter-provincial trade laws to boost the economy and reduce the effects of a potential recession.
Premier Wab Kinew asked Gillingham to join the United States Trade Council along with several Manitoban business members and government officials.
The goal of the meetings is to build up the demographics most impacted by tariffs, find new markets for Manitoban producers, and reduce inter-provincial trade barriers.
“We’re (city council) trying to take care of what is happening locally and do all we can to mitigate any impacts with the limited position and opportunity we have here,” said Gillingham.