The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) recognizes and supports the federal government’s efforts to defend Canada’s economic interests and competitiveness while standing up for Canadian industries, businesses, workers, and communities.
Rick Dumas, NOMA president, said Northwestern Ontario’s forestry, mining, manufacturing, transportation, and resource sectors are particularly exposed to trade uncertainty, and protecting the people and communities that depend on these sectors must remain a priority.
“The reality is, I see gas prices have already been reflective with increases at the pump. I see our food going up . . . and that reflects quickly how fast people are adjusting because everything’s going to be impacted,” Dumas said.
“We have manufacturing in Thunder Bay with Alstom. We have forestry that’s impacted throughout the NOMA district. We have critical minerals and mining that’s impacted with machinery purchases and steel, and there are all kinds of things that we take for granted every day that are happening behind the scenes. Those things will be impacted greatly.”
He said companies such as Generation Mining Ltd. is on the cusp of building, with their feasibility study based on numbers that were presented a year ago.
“Now what does that look like when they go to buy that steel or piece of equipment or for that contractor to come and do the work?” he asked. “It’s all across the board, I see the impact.”
He said, “What if Alstom has issues with their manufacturing, building and rebuilding of cars? What does that contract look like? We’ll be there with the government talking about that. The government already has relationships with a lot of these (companies). But we also want to just be the conduit in regards to anything that’s happening in our neighbourhoods, and . . . we’re all going to be paying more because of our lovely neighbour.”
Dumas says NOMA has a good relationship with the federal government. NOMA has been working closely with the Ontario Forest Industries Association and will continue to do so.
“We believe, based on Prime Minister Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s comments, that they will be there. We’re just going to be the conduit,” he said. If there are issues that the region sees within manufacturing, forestry or mining, we’ll go back and take it to the government and see how they can assist, and we know they’re going to do that.”
Dumas added that the federal government already has several tariff relief and support measures in place.
“NOMA encourages the government of Canada to ensure these measures are applied quickly and effectively to industries and businesses impacted by the latest tariffs, providing relief where it is needed most,” he said.
Also important is that residents, municipalities, and businesses across Northwestern Ontario continue supporting our local economies and Canadian businesses and workers. These are the ones who will be impacted by these tariffs. Supporting local businesses, buying Canadian products, and investing in Canadian companies are vital ways to stand together and strengthen our economy.
