Written By Jan Sims
MIDDLESEX CENTRE - Middlesex County Deputy Warden and Middlesex Centre Mayor Aina DeViet is publicly weighing in on the issue of U.S. tariffs and their potential impact.
DeViet gave a statement at the February 12th Middlesex Centre council meeting that reads in part: “As we all are aware, the continuing threat of tariffs and trade disruptions from the current U.S. administration poses a considerable risk to local economies across the nation. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities both of which Middlesex Centre is a member, have strongly condemned these tariffs and the harm they will inflict on local businesses, workers, supply chains, and trade agreement.”
DeViet had several goals in mind, coming out with the statement. “First, I wanted to highlight the fact that changes in the economic environment – as a consequence of changes made by our closest trading partner – will have an impact on both the cost and level of service delivery from the municipal level of government. Second, my goal was to reassure residents that we are committed to supporting the actions of upper-tier governments that will protect our provincial and national well-being,” says DeViet.
As to how the impact of tariffs might be felt at a municipal level, DeViet cites a number of concerns. “Municipal services like snow plowing, water and wastewater, and emergency services, as well as projects like road repairs or building new facilities, rely on a wide range of specialized equipment, supplies and tools – like graders or plows, protective clothing, and so forth.” The mayor also refers to potential negative impacts on municipal planning such as providing a greater housing stock. And DeViet raises the spectre of general economic consequences. “An economic slowdown is likely to impact everyone. If we think back to the pandemic – layoffs, lost jobs – meant uncertainty, reduced incomes, closures of some businesses, and difficult choices for many Canadians,” says DeViet.
As the “buy Canadian” momentum continues among consumers, it may be tough to assign numbers to measure its impact at this time. But as elsewhere in this country, people in Middlesex Centre are embracing the trend. “Middlesex Centre residents are carefully reading labels and making a conscious effort to buy Canadian products and increasingly I’m getting mail from suppliers who want to ensure the markets they serve are clear about their status as Canadian ‘owned and operated’,” says DeViet.
