Q&A: How the mayor of an American border city is handling the trade war

Sarnia, Ontario and Port Huron, Michigan have a close relationship. They share a border, and Canadians often cross it to eat and shop and work in the U.S. 

But that's not happening as often these days, since Donald Trump started a trade war with Canada. 

London Morning host Andrew Brown spoke to Anita Ashford, the mayor of Port Huron, to hear how this is being felt in her city. 

The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Andrew Brown: How is all of this trade business going over in Port Huron?

Anita Ashford: It's probably the same thing you all are feeling. We're just kind of perplexed about the business case behind all of this. I haven't talked to anyone who is actually excited about all this and where it's going. So we're pretty much wondering what's next, and what's going on. 

AB: How do you see the relationship between Sarnia and Port Huron?

AA: I am a champion of Sarnia. I did get a call from someone in Sania, telling me that they would not be coming over here anymore because of the tariffs. I talked to him briefly and I told him I respected him, and he had to do what he had to do.

Our arms are always open, wide open, for our neighbours. We have people (from Canada) that actually work here on a day to day basis, and they're still coming over. I'm just hoping something or somebody can get some sense here and cut this stuff out. In my opinion, it's just unnecessary. 

AB: What do you think Donald Trump wants here?

AA: I don't think that's been communicated. I haven't a clue. I don't have space in my heart to even think that kind of stuff. It's quite the dilemma that we've been thrown into. And when you think about the consequences where this is all leading, it just seems like a big waste. 

AB: How about the restaurants and businesses in Port Huron. How much do they depends on Canadians crossing the border and spending money?

AA: That helps, it always helps. I don't have an exact number, but any time you have this kind of environment you're going to have those kind of results where the economy is going to take a hit. 

AB: What are the people in Port Huron telling you?