LAURIE WEIR
Rideau Lakes Mayor Arie Hoogenboom is taking a stance against the tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, urging municipalities, businesses, and residents to support Canadian-made goods.
During the Feb. 5 United Counties of Leeds and Grenville committee of the whole meeting, Hoogenboom brought forward a notice of motion encouraging local governments to promote buying Canadian in response to potential trade restrictions, as concerns grow over the economic impact of possible tariffs on industries ranging from tourism and agriculture to manufacturing and small businesses.
“There’s not a whole lot we can do at the local level beyond expressing our concern,” Hoogenboom told this publication following the meeting. “But these kinds of trade issues affect almost everything in the local economy. That’s why we need to encourage people to buy local and buy Canadian whenever possible.”
Hoogenboom acknowledged that while municipalities operate under procurement policies that often adhere to international trade agreements such as NAFTA, there is room to reinforce the importance of supporting local businesses. Some municipalities, like Smiths Falls, are currently reviewing their procurement policies to see if changes can be made to prioritize local suppliers within legal constraints.
“We don’t have contracts that force us to buy outside Canada, but this is about reminding municipalities and residents to check the label,” Hoogenboom said.
If there is a choice between a Canadian-made product, a Mexican product, and a U.S. product, Hoogenboom is encouraging residents to choose Canadian — or Mexican.
The mayor emphasized the broader significance of economic nationalism, stating that Canadians generally don’t display the same level of patriotism in consumer habits as Americans. However, he believes the situation changes when trade tensions escalate. He noted that he’s wearing his Canadian pin these days as a personal show of unity.
“When people start suggesting we become the 51st state, that’s when Canadians push back,” he said.
Despite the call to buy local, Hoogenboom made it clear that Rideau Lakes will continue to welcome American tourists and seasonal property owners.
“We still want Americans to come to Rideau Lakes, stay at their cottages, and spend money in our communities,” he said. “But at the same time, we have to be strategic about where we spend our own dollars, especially when our largest trading partner is making it difficult for us.”
Hoogenboom, like many Canadians, is closely watching the situation unfold, particularly as a critical March 1 deadline looms for trade negotiations. The uncertainty is weighing on local industries, as manufacturers prepare for the possibility of price hikes due to increased tariffs.
“If tariffs drive up the cost of goods by 25 per cent, who’s going to pay for that?” he asked. “These are our best friends internationally, our largest trading partner, and yet we find ourselves facing penalties. It doesn’t make sense.”
With both provincial and federal elections on the horizon, Hoogenboom expects trade and economic sovereignty to remain key issues for Canadian voters. In the meantime, he said he is committed to promoting a message of economic resilience and national unity.
