In a coordinated strategy to fight the ongoing threat of tariffs from the United States, Essex County Council has decided to join the Border Mayors Alliance (BMA).
At last week’s county council meeting, it was decided that the seven mayors from the county will be part of the existing group that has, according to Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue, two separate groups, one in the western part of Canada and the other in the east which is currently chaired by Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens.
Prue said that he has been part of ongoing meetings in the past and thought it a good idea for the county, and its mayors to have a seat at the table now.
“Going to these meetings is not just about protecting industries,” said Prue. “It’s about the life of the municipalities.”
Amherstburg Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb agreed that the mayors of Essex County need to be part of the alliance.
“I don’t think people fully understand – we are at war. These tariffs are designed to destroy our economy,” said Gibb.
The county decided it would go into its reserves to pay the annual $10,000 membership to the BMA and it could become a future budget item if the county continues to be part of it.
Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy agreed that it was necessary, however she wanted the county to have the ability to designate someone to go to the meetings if the mayor of the municipality so desired.
“I think it is important that the Windsor-Essex voice include the mayors of our local municipalities,” said county CAO Sandra Zwiers.
In presenting the concept to county councillors, Zwiers noted that the region is unique when compared to the rest of the province when it comes to the impact tariffs could have on the economy.
“We have been living under the threats of tariffs for months and on Tuesday (March 4) we woke to the reality of a trade war,” said Zwiers at the March 5 meeting.
Zwiers added the longevity of the BMA is not known and it would operate like a special committee. There was some discussion whether or not the county should be paying for the membership or whether it should come from the individual municipalities.
“I think it is important we all have a voice but I think we need to be sure all the mayors want a voice,” said LaSalle Mayor Crystal Meloche.
Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara said joining the alliance was a good idea and that a consistent message was required. He also noted that Invest Windsor-Essex, which recently had its county funded restored to previous levels, was acting as an advocate for the region.
“We have to fight for our jobs. We have to fight for our region,” said McNamara. County to join mayors’ alliance to fight tariffs
By Fred Groves
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