Grey County says it’s working with its member municipalities to respond where they can to ongoing challenges related to Canada-USA relations.
US President Donald Trump has put his threat of 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian products on hold until early March, but on Tuesday, he announced reciprocal tariffs for countries that impose them on the United States. He also announced 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum entering the US this week.
There is concern those tariffs could hurt our economy and Canadians at all levels are looking for ways to defend against economic hardship.
Canada announced retaliatory tariffs if Trump goes ahead. Locally, Hanover has passed a ‘buy Canadian’ resolution that calls on upper levels of government to reconsider legislation that prevents the public procurement process for giving preference to Canadian companies.
Grey County says in a release Thursday, its member municipalities are committed to collectively supporting the business community across the region.
It says the economic development team is participating in federal, provincial and industry led sessions, and maintaining contact with neighbouring counties across Western Ontario to gather insights and information.
They say, “As details become available, on areas such as programs, services, funding and policy direction, it will be shared to (its website) and distributed through County and municipal newsletters and staff updates.”
The County says its staff will also gather insights from local businesses through conversations and networking.
They say that includes joint efforts with industry partners such as the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC). The consortium’swebsite says, “Our mission is to elevate Canadian Manufacturers to achieve world class capability and sustained growth through peer-to-peer networking, sharing, learning and providing validated relevant programs and services.”
Grey County says, “When the time is right, a survey may be launched to formally gather input. Information collected through all approaches will be summarized and provided back to upper levels of government to advocate for response programs.”
Grey County also has a ‘Made in Grey’ tool kit to help local businesses promote their products and services based in Grey County.
