Newport Mayor Rick Ufford-Chase joined the Vermont Mayors Coalition last week in Quebec for a joint press conference with the Union of Quebec Municipalities, calling for the removal of tariffs that are damaging communities on both sides of the border.
The coalition brought together mayors from Vermont and Quebec to address how US tariffs on Canadian products and retaliatory Canadian tariffs are hurting local economies, businesses, and residents in border communities like Newport.
“It was really meaningful to meet with a binational group of mayors from Quebec and Vermont, and to hear stories about the many things we have in common,” said Mayor Ufford-Chase. “All of us are struggling to get housing built. All of us are trying to support local businesses that are stymied by the tariff war started by President Trump. All of us, on both sides of the border, are feeling the economic heat due to far fewer tourists who are willing to cross the border.”
The press conference, held at Granby City Hall on September 5, included mayors from Burlington, Barre, Montpelier, Rutland, and St. Albans alongside their Quebec counterparts. The coalition emphasized that Quebec and Vermont are strategic business partners in tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, food, and energy sectors.
The Vermont Mayors Coalition and Union of Quebec Municipalities will continue working together with chambers of commerce and other government levels to ensure their voices are heard on trade policies affecting their communities.