CAMBRIDGE, Ont. — Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett is pledging continued municipal support for local businesses and workers facing pressure from Canada-U.S. trade tensions, pointing to measures already introduced by the city to ease cash-flow challenges and strengthen the local economy.
The statement follows Prime Minister Mark Carney’s update to Canadians last week regarding a breakdown in negotiations with the current United States administration. Liggett framed the dispute as another chapter in a long history of trade disagreements between the two countries, while expressing confidence that Canadian communities can withstand the economic uncertainty.
“Last week, Prime Minister Mark Carney informed Canadians about the breakdown in negotiations with the current United States Administration. This is not the first time that Canadians have been impacted by trade disagreements with the United States. Since the early 1900s, Canadians have faced and overcome uncertainty when negotiating trade deals with our neighbours to the south. History teaches us that we will overcome this too.”
Cambridge Businesses Face Tariff and Supply Chain Pressures
Cambridge, a major manufacturing and industrial centre in southwestern Ontario, is particularly exposed to changes in cross-border commerce. Local companies participate in supply chains that extend throughout Ontario, Canada and the United States, making tariffs and trade disruptions an important issue for employers and workers.
Liggett said she has spent the past two years meeting directly with businesses to understand how tariffs are affecting operations, employment, contracts and longer-term planning.
“Much of my work as Mayor is done behind the scenes. For the past two years, I reached out to businesses in our community, I met them where they were at – their boardrooms. I asked how they felt the tariffs impacted them, their labour force, supply chains, future sales, current contracts, and how long they can tough it out. Prior to becoming Mayor, I was a business owner who imported and exported; I understand exactly how this experience is impacting the business community.”
City Introduces Property Tax Relief for Affected Businesses
The city has responded with measures intended to provide businesses with additional financial flexibility. Liggett said Cambridge and its Economic Development team established a program allowing affected businesses to delay property tax payments without penalties or interest, helping companies preserve cash flow.
“I also heard how the City can help. Along with the Economic Development team, we created a program for delayed property taxes with no penalty and interest for all affected businesses to free up cashflow. The City reviewed its procurement process to ensure we were the most competitive and in strategic alignment with negotiations. I have served on the Ontario Big City Mayors (OBCM) Tariff Working Group, working alongside other Mayors and all orders of government to advocate for Cambridge and our economy.”
Liggett said concerns raised by residents and companies have also been communicated to senior levels of government.
“I have heard directly from Cambridge businesses and families about the real impacts these tariffs are having, and I have taken those concerns forward to higher orders of government whenever possible. The City of Cambridge will continue to be a source of support, advocacy, and connection to available resources.”
Mayor Supports Provincial and Federal Trade Response
Liggett expressed support for both the Ontario and federal governments as they seek protections for Canadian workers, businesses and communities.
“I stand with the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada as they continue to advocate for protections for Canadian workers and their families, businesses, and communities. Canada has faced trade disputes before, and I am confident in the leadership guiding us through these challenges now.”
The mayor also highlighted Ottawa’s introduction of $7.5 billion in new and enhanced measures aimed at protecting Canadian workers.
“I am encouraged by the federal government’s introduction of $7.5 billion for new and enhanced measures to protect Canadian workers, and I will continue advocating for our community every step of the way.”
Trade Diversification Seen as Opportunity for Cambridge
Beyond immediate assistance, Liggett said the current uncertainty presents an opportunity for Cambridge and Canada to strengthen domestic economic resilience, support local companies and diversify international trade relationships.
“While this is a difficult time, it is also an opportunity to strengthen our economy, support local businesses, diversify our trade relationships, and come together as Canadians.”
Liggett concluded her statement with a call for solidarity as businesses and families navigate the economic effects of the dispute.
“Elbows up, Cambridge. We’ll get through this together.”
— Mayor Jan Liggett