Border Mayors Alliance stands in support of Sault Ste. Marie
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Canada and the United States have historically enjoyed a strong, mutually beneficial trade relationship, and Sault Ste. Marie stands as a foremost example. In the Twin Saults, Ontario and Michigan are connected by more than just a name – they are bound by a intertwined economy, a history of collaboration and an international bridge that thousands of people use every day to get to work, shop or participate in recreational activities such as hockey.
The imposition of steel tariffs threatens to disrupt this vital relationship, with consequences that extend far beyond Sault Ste. Marie. The Border Mayors Alliance, recognizing the severe economic risks, stands in solidarity with the city. Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, Chair of the Border Mayors Alliance, travelled to Sault Ste. Marie today to meet with Mayor Matthew Shoemaker and local businesses that would be directly affected by steel tariffs, including Algoma Steel and Tenaris Algoma Tubes.
Mayor Dilkens launched the Border Mayors Alliance in response to the threat posed by the United States' proposed 25% tariff on all Canadian imports, most recently including steel and aluminum. The Alliance advocates for the protection of local economies and the interests of communities along the Canada-U.S. border.
“I thank Mayor Shoemaker for the invitation to meet with him and with industry leaders in Sault Ste. Marie – a city as strong as its steel,” Mayor Dilkens said. “Members of the Border Mayors Alliance stand side-by-side, in lockstep, to safeguard our communities from coast to coast and counteract the staggering pressures tariffs will place on our economy. Ontario is the economic engine of Canada, and Windsor and Sault Ste. Marie are crucial communities for the province and country. While our proximity may be distant, our shared values are aligned. Steel and automotive manufacturing are not just industries, but key to keeping Ontario and Canada moving forward. So, today, we stand united and send the message that we have one another’s backs.”
Mayor Shoemaker emphasized the importance of collaboration in facing these economic challenges.
"In a trade war, there are no winners – only economic hardship for both Canada and the United States. The Border Mayors Alliance provides us with a critical platform to work together, advocate for our communities and share a clear message about what those economic harms will be. I was pleased to meet with Mayor Dilkens and introduce him to local employers who would face the most serious consequences as a result of tariffs,” he said.
The consequences of tariffs have been well-documented. A study published by Econofact found that, “while the 2018 tariffs reduced steel imports, they also caused U.S. steel prices to rise, placing downstream manufacturing industries at a competitive disadvantage.” The study estimated that these tariffs resulted in 75,000 lost jobs – far exceeding any gains in the steel-production sector.
The economic damage will not be confined to Sault Ste. Marie. Industries across North America that depend on Canadian steel and aluminum – such as automotive, aerospace, and construction – will face increased production costs, with higher prices ultimately passed on to consumers.
What is happening in Sault Ste. Marie today is a warning for communities across Canada. If widespread tariffs are implemented, they will have a ripple effect on workers, businesses, and economies nationwide. The Border Mayors Alliance remains committed to advocating for policies that strengthen the Canada-U.S. trade relationship, rather than policies that weaken it through unnecessary barriers.