Statement from Mayor Jan Liggett Aug. 31, 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Elbows up, Cambridge. We'll get through this together.

- Mayor Jan Liggett