Reaction in Timmins to trade tussle with U.S.

CTV's Lydia Chubak asked residents in Timmins what they thought about a possible trade war with the U.S.

As a trade war with the United States remains a real possibility, people and business organizations in Timmins say they are ready to fight back.

People going about their business in downtown Timmins on Monday are well aware of the tariff war United States President Donald Trump has threatened to declare on Canada.

Most people we spoke to said they were unimpressed by the threats.

“I think it’s a waste of time and money,” one person said.

“Obviously, the president doesn’t understand how that tariff works. So he’s just punishing everybody that doesn’t need to be punished, obviously.”

“I’m certainly not behind it, that’s for sure,” another person said.

“I am a true Canadian and I’ll always be that way. And that’s about it. Thank you.”

“I don’t believe in what’s going on right now,” a third person we talked with said.

“You know, we’re supposed to be neighbours, so take it a day at a time and hope it turns out right for the rest of the day.”

Officials with the Timmins Chamber of Commerce and the Timmins Economic Development Corporation said they were too busy to conduct interviews today but offered statements.

Chamber president Tom Faught Jr. said the chamber is deeply concerned.

“Increased tariffs will lead to higher costs for businesses, reduced competitiveness, and potential job losses … We encourage affected businesses to connect with the Chamber so we can better understand their specific challenges and provide support.”

And Brenda Camirand, the director of economic development for the Timmins Economic Development Corp. board, said it’s assessing what the tariffs would mean to the community.

“Economic development in partnership with the chamber is reaching out to our business community to determine what that impact may look like. Also, we are looking to ensure we are aware of who is exporting to the States in order to disseminate the appropriate information to those most affected.”

Meantime, both organizations say they’re advocating on behalf of the city and its members to ensure concerns are heard at all levels of government.