Bachynski joins mayors from Canada, U.S., Mexico to call for end to tariffs

Regina’s mayor is adding his voice to a growing chorus of political leaders calling for an end to the tariffs that are disrupting long-standing trade relationships across North America.

Canada is currently embroiled in a trade war with the United States, with tariffs from President Donald Trump and retaliatory tariffs put in place by Canada’s federal government causing frustration and challenges for many of the nation’s industries.

Speaking to media on Friday, Regina Mayor Bachynski said he was “absolutely” satisfied with the outcome of the summit.

“Across Canada, we’re seeing a united front from Canadians. This was taken to another level today. This is united front between three nations,” Bachynski said.

“I think this is a great step in escalating the voice and calling for the canceling of these tariffs.”

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Bachynski was one of seven Canadian mayors attending a tri-national trade summit in Washington, D.C. where they, along with a group of mayors from the United States and Mexico, issued a joint statement highlighting the impact of trade disruptions on municipalities and urging national leaders to respect existing trade agreements.

“North American trade has provided immense value to all our communities, creating jobs and reducing the cost of living for families. Our nations have no better trading partners, and when we trade with fair rules – like under the US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) – all three benefit,” the joint statement read, in part.

“The escalation of tariffs only raises costs for businesses, workers, and consumers across North America. Tariffs are taxes that increase the cost of living, drain bank accounts, put supply chains and jobs at risk and disrupt the local businesses that drive the economies in all three nations. Our communities will feel the impact first.”

Bachynski was the only mayor from Saskatchewan that was present. Bachynski said he promoted Regina and Saskatchewan’s “food fuel and fertilizer” during the summit.

“It was great to to highlight the global presence that we do have, and it’s something that I’ve talked about before — that we need to tell that story a little bit louder and this was a great opportunity to do that on a global stage,” Bachynski said.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), which organized the Canadian delegation, said the federal election currently underway in Canada also offers more opportunities to break down trade barriers.

“FCM is urging all federal parties to commit to ending interprovincial trade barriers, investing in trade-enabling infrastructure, and advancing a National Prosperity Partnership to ensure municipalities have the tools they need to deliver in areas that are critical to the strength and resilience of our economy, such as housing, infrastructure, economic development, public safety, and essential services,” the federation said in a statement.

“With the right tools, local governments are ready to tackle the big challenges, so that every community, whether urban, rural, or northern, can contribute to a more secure and prosperous Canada.”

Bachynski was joined at the trade summit by the mayors of Grand Bay-Westfield, N.B., Mascouche, Que., Ottawa, Sturgeon County, Alta., Surrey, B.C., Toronto, and Windsor, Ont.

“The message from local leaders is unified,” the federation added.

“These tariffs are hurting communities across North America, and we can’t afford to let this continue.”

— With files from 980 CJME’s Daniel Reech

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