Mayor Mitchell Brownstein of Côte Saint-Luc is calling on his counterparts in American border cities and towns to speak out against the recent actions of the U.S. administration that threaten Canada’s sovereignty.
In letters sent to several U.S. mayors, Mayor Brownstein expressed deep concern over the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs on Canada, a long-standing ally and trading partner of the United States.
“These tariffs are not only unjustified but also serve as a tool of economic coercion against a friendly nation,” said Mayor Brownstein. “Even more alarming is the rhetoric from the U.S. administration, openly discussing the annexation of Canada. This has deeply shaken Canadians and is causing a significant shift in public sentiment toward the United States.”
As part of Mayor Brownstein’s mayor-to-mayor diplomacy, he has written to the mayors of Burlington, VT; Montpelier, VT; St. Albans, VT; Manchester, NH; Nashua, NH; Saratoga Springs, NY; Lake Placid, NY; and Syracuse, NY. More letters are planned for other cities and towns.
In the letters, Mayor Brownstein highlighted the historically strong bonds between Canadians and Americans, from families living across the border to joint military efforts and acts of goodwill, such as when Canadians housed and cared for Americans stranded in Newfoundland on 9/11. He warned that the economic pressure tactics being applied today risk irreparably damaging this relationship.
“Canadians are reacting strongly,” he stated. “We see protests, boycotts of American-made goods, and a decline in cross-border tourism. This will undoubtedly impact local economies in border states, including Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York.”
Mayor Brownstein is urging his American counterparts to bring this issue to the attention of their state and federal representatives. “We need voices from both sides of the border calling for a return to civility and respect. American communities also stand to lose from this misguided policy, and I hope that together, we can advocate for an end to these reckless measures.”
Mayor Brownstein stresses the importance of Mayor-to-Mayor diplomacy in times of crisis. “Local leaders have a duty to protect the interests of their residents, and right now, that means speaking out against policies that hurt our shared economies and threaten international stability. By working together across borders, mayors can help de-escalate tensions and restore a sense of cooperation between our two nations.”
Mayor Brownstein plans on sending letters to more mayors across the border and encourages his fellow mayors from across Quebec and Canada to do the same. He hopes that this coordinated effort will demonstrate the depth of Canadian concern and disrupt efforts by the US Administration to paint Canada as a villain in order to justify economic warfare and annexation of its sovereign territory.