‘To change minds’: Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski in D.C. talking tariffs

Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski in D.C. talking tariffs

Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski is one a select few mayors from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) in Washington D.C. this week meeting with other city leaders from across North America.

“Ultimately it’s to present a united front,” Bachynski told reporters while appearing virtually from a hotel room in D.C. “[We’re] recommending and negotiating to not impose tariffs, as the U.S. is doing.”

The U.S Conference of Mayors (USCM) is hosting the summit on North American trade alongside mayors from Canada and Mexico.

“The mayors will focus on the critical role that North American trade plays in the success of metropolitan economies across the continent,” USCM said in a media release. “And the devastating effects tariffs pose for families, manufacturing, local job markets, and global economic competition.”

Eight mayors from across the country are part of the Canadian delegation, with six American mayors and another eight from Mexico also joining.

Bachynski hoped to highlight the impact the tariffs imposed on by U.S President Donald Trump has, not only on Canadian and Mexican residents, but all Americans as well.

“And then once we’ve established that, it’s making sure we’re all on the same page,” Bachynski said. “And really highlight the powerhouse Saskatchewan and Regina is and what we can deliver – and do deliver – in terms of food, food, fuel, fertilizer.”

The mayor added that the ultimate goal is to have all tariffs removed.

“They are friends, they our colleagues,” Bachynski said. “They’re great trade partners. We want to continue the long-standing relationship we’ve had over the number of years.”

“The goal here is to try and change minds. And so that’s what I’m here to do,” he added.

• Read more on the ongoing trade war with the U.S. here

The summit takes place March 27 and 28.