Latest news with #BorderMayorsAlliance
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Border mayors say they're on the front line of the tariff war and need government help
Border mayors from across Canada say they're on the front line of the tariff war with the United States and are disproportionately suffering as a result. Border communities "are at a breaking point," said Barbara Barrett, executive director of Frontier Duty Free Association, who moderated a virtual meeting of border mayors on Friday. "We are calling on the federal government to step up now with targeted financial support and a plan that recognizes the unique vulnerabilities of border-dependent communities and the businesses that keep them alive." And if help doesn't come soon, some businesses will close permanently, said Trina Jones, mayor of Woodstock, N.B. "We know as border mayors for our communities, there already are businesses that are being impacted by the uncertainty," she said. She said it feels "very reminiscent of the pandemic." Jones said she'd like to see the same sort of government support extended now — and quickly. She said her community is already feeling the effects of reduced said residents feel "like they're in a holding pattern." Mayors from border communities across the country expressed similar concerns. Together, they're calling on federal and provincial governments to help them through a challenging time. The Border Mayors Alliance, which was formed in 2024, say they're being "disproportionately impacted" by tariffs and reduced cross-border travel. "Border communities and businesses that rely on cross-border travel are facing a new economic crisis. Still recovering from the impact of pandemic-era border closures, border community businesses are now grappling with additional economic pressures that threaten their survival," the group said. St. Stephen, N.B., Mayor Allan MacEachern said some border communities like his still haven't recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. "We need to know that our government's got our backs," he said. MacEachern said border towns "rely on the movement of people and product. And when people and product don't cross our borders, it's a huge impact on our communities." St. Stephen Mayor Allan MacEachern said he hasn't heard of any open hostility between residents of his commuity and their American neighbours, but the fear exists that things may heat up. (Allyson McCormack/CBC) He said reduced traffic during the pandemic was "life-changing." "And I don't want to see us go there." MacEachern said border communities aren't just on the financial front lines, they're often face-to-face with their American neighbours. He said it's easier for those who live further away from the border "not to participate, but for us, it's tough. It's tough and I don't want to spoil our relationships once again." MacEachern said he hasn't seen any open hostility yet, but there's fear that it could happen. Jones agreed. "There's lots of fear, but there's really no hostility from what we can see," she said. Woodstock Mayor Trina Jones said her community is already feeling the effects of the tariff war with the United States. (Jacques Poitras/CBC) "We've been friendly neighbours for a long, long time and we don't see that changing." The group of mayors is asking government to act quickly to come up with an aid package for communities affected by tariffs. As for whether border communities deserve a bigger piece of that pie, Jones said "it's tricky." She said New Brunswick is particularly susceptible to the tariff war, "and maybe some of us need a little more help than others. And, the rest of the provinces might have to be kind." MacEachern said it shouldn't be forgotten that New Brunswick border communities are the "gateway to the Atlantic provinces" and all land-based traffic funnels through them. "So we got a lot of weight on our shoulders there. So it's just not New Brunswick that we're thinking of." MacEachern said 26,000 fewer people crossed the New Brunswick-Maine border last month. "That's a huge impact to us," he said.
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Duty-free shop owner says his B.C. business is a hostage in cross-border economic war
Cameron Bissonnette, a second-generation duty-free shop owner in Osoyoos, B.C., is facing the harsh reality that his business may no longer be viable for the next generation of his family. His son and daughter, in their early and mid-20s, have expressed interest in taking over, but that, he says, now seems unlikely. "I don't think there's going to be much here for us, so [they're] going to have to strike their own path," he told CBC's Radio West. Bissonnette, himself, is also looking ahead, pivoting to a different career in real estate finance. "I am starting on a [fresh] path... because I could see the writing on the wall," he said. His family's business, located near the U.S. border south of Osoyoos, has relied on cross-border shoppers since the 1980s, when his parents first obtained a permit to open duty-free shops in B.C., one in Osoyoos and another in the East Kootenays. For years, the business thrived, Bissonnette says, but the pandemic and growing political tensions between the U.S. and Canada have taken a shop owner says he feels his business is being held "hostage" to the "economic warfare" between the two countries, as many Canadians opt to avoid travelling south of the border. He says customers are scarce—some days, fewer than a dozen people walk through the door. On one occasion, the only visitor to the store came to process a refund, leaving the shop with what he called a "negative $67 day." The store, which once employed about 15 staff members, now operates with just three after multiple layoffs. Bissonnette had to fight back tears as he recounted his struggles during a virtual news conference on Friday, where some border business owners and mayors from Canadian border towns warned of the growing financial strain on their communities. A duty-free shop owner in Osoyoos, B.C., which has been operating since the 1980s, might soon be closing for good as the business struggles amid rising U.S.-Canada tensions. (Google street view) Osoyoos Mayor Sue McKortoff was one of eight mayors at the event, part of the Border Mayors Alliance, a coalition spanning the length of the Canada-U.S. border. The alliance aims to provide a unified municipal voice in international discussions and advocate for policies that safeguard border communities. "The duty free is one of the best businesses in town. They've been very supportive of the town. They've hired people in the town," McKortoff said. The province has been talking of boycotts and taking reciprocal action against the threat of American tariffs on Canadian exports, with B.C. Premier David Eby recently cancelling his family trip to Disneyland and urging British Columbaisn to avoid travelling to the states. WATCH | Peace Arch duty-free shop owner struggles to stay afloat: Recent data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows a sharp decline in cross-border travel, with nearly 500,000 fewer travellers crossing into the U.S. in February compared to the same month last year. Similarly, data from the Whatcom Council of Governments shows that the number of B.C. drivers heading south through the Peace Arch border crossing in Surrey has dropped by about 25 per cent compared to 2024. McKortoff says border communities like Osoyoos, a town of about 5,500, is feeling the squeeze with fewer Canadians crossing south. Barbara Barrett, executive director of the Frontier Duty Free Association (FDFA), warns that Canada's 32 duty-free stores—spread across seven provinces—are at risk of closure. "The businesses are facing literal demise," Barrett said. "And all of this after still not being recovered from the 20-month-long border closure during the pandemic." Businesses near the U.S.-Canada border at Osoyoos, the south Okanagan city of about 5,500, are struggling as fewer Canadians are travelling south, says Mayor Sue McKortoff. (Thomas Popyk/CBC) According to a 2024 FDFA report, duty-free stores contribute approximately $35 million in taxes annually and invest more than $60 million in local economies. Now, the FDFA and the Border Mayors Alliance are calling on the federal government to provide targeted financial support to help border communities weather the crisis. Bissonnette says he hopes Ottawa will forgive loans from the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) program, which many border businesses relied on during the COVID-19 pandemic. He's also pushing for interest-free loans and grants to help keep his business afloat. Without assistance, he warns, the Osoyoos duty-free shop — and others like it — may not survive. "It's getting to a point where you have to have a real moment of reckoning," he said. "I never thought I'd have to seriously consider closing this business down."
CBC
23-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
Duty-free shop owner says his B.C. business is a hostage in cross-border economic war
Social Sharing Cameron Bissonnette, a second-generation duty-free shop owner in Osoyoos, B.C., is facing the harsh reality that his business may no longer be viable for the next generation of his family. His son and daughter, in their early and mid-20s, have expressed interest in taking over, but that, he says, now seems unlikely. "I don't think there's going to be much here for us, so [they're] going to have to strike their own path," he told CBC's Radio West. Bissonnette, himself, is also looking ahead, pivoting to a different career in real estate finance. "I am starting on a [fresh] path... because I could see the writing on the wall," he said. His family's business, located near the U.S. border south of Osoyoos, has relied on cross-border shoppers since the 1980s, when his parents first obtained a permit to open duty-free shops in B.C., one in Osoyoos and another in the East Kootenays. For years, the business thrived, Bissonnette says, but the pandemic and growing political tensions between the U.S. and Canada have taken a toll. WATCH | Bissonnette describes the pain of likely loss of family business: Duty-free shop owner breaks down in tears over struggle to keep business going during trade war 2 days ago Duration 1:11 A second-generation Osoyoos, B.C., duty-free shop owner said he is struggling to keep his business afloat amid Trump's trade war with Canada. With cross-border traffic down, Cameron Bissonnette said he doesn't know how much longer he'll be able to pay his staff. The shop owner says he feels his business is being held "hostage" to the "economic warfare" between the two countries, as many Canadians opt to avoid travelling south of the border. He says customers are scarce—some days, fewer than a dozen people walk through the door. On one occasion, the only visitor to the store came to process a refund, leaving the shop with what he called a "negative $67 day." The store, which once employed about 15 staff members, now operates with just three after multiple layoffs. Bissonnette had to fight back tears as he recounted his struggles during a virtual news conference on Friday, where some border business owners and mayors from Canadian border towns warned of the growing financial strain on their communities. Osoyoos Mayor Sue McKortoff was one of eight mayors at the event, part of the Border Mayors Alliance, a coalition spanning the length of the Canada-U.S. border. The alliance aims to provide a unified municipal voice in international discussions and advocate for policies that safeguard border communities. "The duty free is one of the best businesses in town. They've been very supportive of the town. They've hired people in the town," McKortoff said. The province has been talking of boycotts and taking reciprocal action against the threat of American tariffs on Canadian exports, with B.C. Premier David Eby recently cancelling his family trip to Disneyland and urging British Columbaisn to avoid travelling to the states. WATCH | Peace Arch duty-free shop owner struggles to stay afloat: Surrey duty-free shop caught in the crossfire of U.S.-Canada trade war 18 days ago Duration 2:30 The trade war between Canada and the United States is now underway. A major border retailer in Surrey says its workers are caught in the crossfire. As Shaurya Kshatri reports, business groups are bracing for tough decisions, from layoffs to higher prices and British Columbians may soon feel the impact Recent data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows a sharp decline in cross-border travel, with nearly 500,000 fewer travellers crossing into the U.S. in February compared to the same month last year. Similarly, data from the Whatcom Council of Governments shows that the number of B.C. drivers heading south through the Peace Arch border crossing in Surrey has dropped by about 25 per cent compared to 2024. McKortoff says border communities like Osoyoos, a town of about 5,500, is feeling the squeeze with fewer Canadians crossing south. Barbara Barrett, executive director of the Frontier Duty Free Association (FDFA), warns that Canada's 32 duty-free stores—spread across seven provinces—are at risk of closure. "The businesses are facing literal demise," Barrett said. "And all of this after still not being recovered from the 20-month-long border closure during the pandemic." According to a 2024 FDFA report, duty-free stores contribute approximately $35 million in taxes annually and invest more than $60 million in local economies. Now, the FDFA and the Border Mayors Alliance are calling on the federal government to provide targeted financial support to help border communities weather the crisis. Bissonnette says he hopes Ottawa will forgive loans from the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) program, which many border businesses relied on during the COVID-19 pandemic. He's also pushing for interest-free loans and grants to help keep his business afloat. Without assistance, he warns, the Osoyoos duty-free shop — and others like it — may not survive. "It's getting to a point where you have to have a real moment of reckoning," he said. "I never thought I'd have to seriously consider closing this business down."
CBC
21-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
Border mayors say they're on the front line of the tariff war and need government help
Social Sharing Border mayors from across Canada say they're on the front line of the tariff war with the United States and are disproportionately suffering as a result. Border communities "are at a breaking point," said Barbara Barrett, executive director of Frontier Duty Free Association, who moderated a virtual meeting of border mayors on Friday. "We are calling on the federal government to step up now with targeted financial support and a plan that recognizes the unique vulnerabilities of border-dependent communities and the businesses that keep them alive." And if help doesn't come soon, some businesses will close permanently, said Trina Jones, mayor of Woodstock, N.B. "We know as border mayors for our communities, there already are businesses that are being impacted by the uncertainty," she said. She said it feels "very reminiscent of the pandemic." Jones said she'd like to see the same sort of government support extended now — and quickly. She said her community is already feeling the effects of reduced traffic. Trade war already having repercussions in border communities 1 hour ago Duration 1:33 The mayors of St. Stephen and Woodstock meet with counterparts from across Canada. She said residents feel "like they're in a holding pattern." Mayors from border communities across the country expressed similar concerns. Together, they're calling on federal and provincial governments to help them through a challenging time. The Border Mayors Alliance, which was formed in 2024, say they're being "disproportionately impacted" by tariffs and reduced cross-border travel. "Border communities and businesses that rely on cross-border travel are facing a new economic crisis. Still recovering from the impact of pandemic-era border closures, border community businesses are now grappling with additional economic pressures that threaten their survival," the group said. St. Stephen, N.B., Mayor Allan MacEachern said some border communities like his still haven't recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. "We need to know that our government's got our backs," he said. MacEachern said border towns "rely on the movement of people and product. And when people and product don't cross our borders, it's a huge impact on our communities." He said reduced traffic during the pandemic was "life-changing." "And I don't want to see us go there." MacEachern said border communities aren't just on the financial front lines, they're often face-to-face with their American neighbours. He said it's easier for those who live further away from the border "not to participate, but for us, it's tough. It's tough and I don't want to spoil our relationships once again." MacEachern said he hasn't seen any open hostility yet, but there's fear that it could happen. Jones agreed. "There's lots of fear, but there's really no hostility from what we can see," she said. "We've been friendly neighbours for a long, long time and we don't see that changing." The group of mayors is asking government to act quickly to come up with an aid package for communities affected by tariffs. As for whether border communities deserve a bigger piece of that pie, Jones said "it's tricky." She said New Brunswick is particularly susceptible to the tariff war, "and maybe some of us need a little more help than others. And, the rest of the provinces might have to be kind." MacEachern said it shouldn't be forgotten that New Brunswick border communities are the "gateway to the Atlantic provinces" and all land-based traffic funnels through them. "So we got a lot of weight on our shoulders there. So it's just not New Brunswick that we're thinking of." MacEachern said 26,000 fewer people crossed the New Brunswick-Maine border last month. "That's a huge impact to us," he said.
CBC
30-01-2025
- Business
- CBC
Surrey, B.C., mayor joins alliance of border communities ahead of possible tariffs
Surrey, B.C., Mayor Brenda Locke has signed onto an alliance advocating for Canadian border communities, saying U.S. tariffs would put hundreds of jobs in her city at risk. Locke said Thursday that 20 per cent of businesses in Surrey have direct trade ties with the United States, amounting to roughly $2.8 billion in cross-border commerce each year. "The introduction of these tariffs threatens to disrupt vital supply chains impacting cities and communities across the country, and therefore demands a Canada-first approach," Locke said. The Border Mayors Alliance includes about 20 Canadian mayors and was formed in response to the threat from U.S. President Donald Trump to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all goods imported from Canada as early as Saturday. Surrey is home to two border crossings, including the Peace Arch crossing, one of the busiest in Canada. Locke said the city is also the "hub" of B.C.'s trucking industry. A statement from the City of Surrey says it has approximately 113 import and export businesses and 900 transportation and warehousing companies that may experience "spillover consequences" if there is a disruption in manufacturing and exporting activities. WATCH | Mayors of Canadian border communities join together against tariff threat: Mayors along the Canada-U.S. border form alliance against Trump tariffs 4 days ago Duration 2:03 The alliance's co-founder, Creston, B.C., Mayor Arnold DeBoon, told CBC News tariffs would undoubtedly affect major employers in the Creston Valley too, including three lumber mills and the Kokanee beer brewing company. Creston, located in southeastern B.C., is about 10 kilometres from the Rykerts border, which crosses into Idaho. "It's going to have an impact," said DeBoon. "We are going to see mills possibly close, or at least very much curtail their activities. And they are good paying jobs." Windsor, Ont., Mayor Drew Dilkens, chair of the alliance, told a news conference in Surrey on Thursday that mayors of border cities and towns witness first hand how interconnected communities are on either side of the border. "The alliance notes that our two nations have never faced a circumstance that so profoundly threatens our shared economy and poses such devastating impacts on our country, on our cities, and, of course, on our families," he said. Trump's press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, told reporters earlier this week that a Feb. 1 date was "still on the books" for imposing tariffs against both Canada and Mexico. B.C. Premier David Eby said this week that any money gained through possible retaliatory tariffs should be immediately used to help businesses survive and diversify their markets away from the United States. All three levels of government in Canada have been responding to the tariff threat, with premiers holding a virtual meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, Public Safety Minister David McGuinty and Immigration Minister Marc Miller are all in or travelling to Washington, D.C., Thursday and Friday for meetings with senators and some of Trump's team. Canadian premiers have a trade mission to Washington planned for Feb. 12. According to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, $3.6 billion in goods cross the Canada-U.S. border every day.
