Kitchener Mayor condemns U.S. tariffs, pledges support for local businesses

Berry Vrbanovic in an undated photo. (CTV News Kitchener)

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic has strongly condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s new trade tariffs on Canadian exports, calling them an “unjustified and indefensible economic attack on Canada.”

In a statement, Vrbanovic expressed frustration over the decision, emphasizing that it will hurt families, businesses, and communities on both sides of the border.

“Our Canada-U.S. relationship has been unique. Historically, we have been the best neighbour, friend and ally of each other,” his statement read in part. “Our cities, our businesses and our people have been connected like in no two other nations. But we have been sovereign nations, and independent nations we will remain.”

Vrbanovic pledged Kitchener’s full support for federal and provincial efforts to push back against the tariffs. He will be meeting with federal and provincial leaders, including Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, to discuss a coordinated response.

According to Vrbanovic, the city has already been working with the Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation and other partners to prepare for economic fallout.

“These actions by the United States may make us feel bruised and frustrated,” he stated. “But we are Canadian. We are true north, strong, and free. As residents of Kitchener, we are proud Canadians who are resilient, with a history of caring for and supporting each other. We will always #ChooseCanada, #SupportLocal, #BuyCanadian!”