Officials from Western New York and Southern Ontario have formed the “Niagara 8” to push back against U.S.-Canada tariffs, arguing they harm border communities. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz warned the economic impact is already visible, with a drop in border crossings and declining sales tax revenue in his region.
Leaders on both sides stress that distant policymakers fail to grasp how border economies rely on cross-border trade. Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop noted local businesses will suffer if U.S. visitors stop coming. The group has sent a joint letter to federal officials, urging action.
They believe past efforts have successfully influenced negotiations and hope their unified approach will again prevent further economic harm.
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