For the first time, Port Huron, a border town in Michigan, raised the Canada flag in front of its administrative center.
In a press release, the city mayor located opposite the municipality of Sarnia, in southwest Ontario, said, by this gesture, to express its support for Canadians.
This is an opportunity to demonstrate our solidarity, our sincere commitment and our desire to welcome the city of Sarnia, our neighbors. I want to make sure that our friends on the other side of the river know that we appreciate them.
The mayor explains that the pricing war between Canada and the United States led A notable decrease in the number of people who shop and eat in the city center of Port Huron.
James Freed, municipal director of Port Huron, hoist the Canadian flag.
Photo : James Freed
We just try to remain united as best we can
she added, adding that people in Port Huron have family both in Canada and the United States.
The mayor Ashford thinks that the American national policy has Unjustly influenced the way Americans perceive Canadians.
Sarnia takes note
The mayor of Sarnia appreciates the gesture posed by the city of Port Huron, but believes that it is an act superficial and cosmetic.
Mike Bradley calls for go beyond symbolic gestures
. He explains that the two border communities face to serious difficulties
.
Superficial and cosmetic measures are welcome, but the reality is as follows: they undergo the consequences. It’s heavy to wear. They no longer receive Canadian customers. Their city center is apparently deserted.
The mayor of Sarnia, Mike Bradley
Photo: Elvis Nouemsi Njiké
The mayor of Sarnia believes that most of the American mayors with whom he spoke are favorable to a better relationship between Canada and the United States. According to him, The fear of the possible response from Donald Trump
would prevent these mayors from taking a stand.
Port Huron is not the only American border town to undergo the consequences of customs tariffs. In June, the Buffalo region had organized an advertising campaign in Canada to try to attract more Canadian tourists.
With information from Peter Duck, Bob Becken and Amy Dodge, CBC