by Daniel Duric
GRANBY, QC — Newport Mayor Rick Ufford-Chase joined mayors from Vermont and Quebec in calling for the removal of tariffs affecting communities on both sides of the border.
The Union of Quebec Municipalities and Vermont Mayors Coalition held a joint press conference at Granby City Hall on September 5, where elected officials testified to the negative impact tariff measures are having on local economies, businesses and residents.
“It was really meaningful to meet with a binational group of mayors from Quebec and Vermont, and to hear stories about the many things we have in common,” Ufford-Chase said. “All of us are struggling to get housing built. All of us are trying to support local businesses that are stymied by the tariff war started by President Trump. All of us, on both sides of the border, are feeling the economic heat due to far fewer tourists who are willing to cross the border.”
The coalition argues that U.S. tariffs on Canadian products and retaliatory tariffs imposed by Canada work against both economies. Quebec and Vermont are strategic business partners in tourism, manufacturing, agricultural, food and energy sectors.
“Ties forged between Quebec and Vermont mayors are made to last. Our communities have always been tightly interconnected,” said UMQ President Guillaume Tremblay, mayor of Mascouche. “We know that whatever affects businesses and families in Vermont also affects us in Quebec, and vice-versa. It’s imperative that our governments take meaningful action now to re-establish fair and sustainable trade relations.”
Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak emphasized the long-standing connections between the regions.
“Vermont and Quebec have long established economic, cultural, and social connections, and I am grateful for the opportunity to deepen these bonds between our communities,” she said. “While we will work together to maintain these important partnerships, we need our federal government to reverse the short-sighted and harmful trade actions taken against our Canadian neighbors.”
Other Vermont mayors participating included Barre Mayor Thom Lauzon, Montpelier Mayor Jack McCullough, Rutland Mayor Mike Doenges and St. Albans Mayor Tim Smith.
The UMQ and VMC said they will continue pursuing efforts in partnership with chambers of commerce and other levels of government to ensure municipal voices are heard on trade issues.