Tariff tensions threaten cross-border ties and North Country economy, says Chamber president and CEO
The North Country’s deeply rooted connection with Canada is showing signs of strain as the ongoing U.S.-Canada tariff dispute continues to affect both the local economy and the region’s unique international relationship.In a recent op-ed published in The Montreal Gazette, Garry Douglas, president and CEO of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, raised alarms about the growing impact of tariffs on businesses and communities throughout the Plattsburgh region.“There is no place in the U.S. that enjoys as unique a historical, social and economic intertwining with Canada — settled by French and Irish from Quebec and evolving into, in many respects, a suburb of Montreal,” Douglas wrote.Douglas also cited a recent survey revealing that 97% of local businesses across all industries oppose the tariffs, signaling near-unanimous concern over their consequences. The region, long known for its close partnership with Canada, is beginning to feel the economic fallout in very real terms.One visible sign of solidarity can be seen at the Plattsburgh City Beach, where local resident Kurt LaPrairie proudly waves Canadian and Quebec flags from his bicycle. His goal is to encourage Canadian visitors not to stay away despite the tension at the national level.“We just want to continue to be good friends and good neighbors and let them know that,” LaPrairie said. “So, they won’t stop coming, because I know that the traffic is down at the border, and we’d like them to come back just as usual.”The Chamber reported that border crossings in Champlain dropped by 26% in April compared to the same month last year — a worrying trend for a region reliant on cross-border tourism and business.The cultural impact is also becoming evident. One Canadian band that regularly performs at the annual Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration has announced it will not participate this year. The reason? Tariff politics.“According to them, ‘We’re not happy with what’s happening with the tariff situation. And this is the only way we get to protest. Even though we love coming to your event, we’re sticking with our country,’” said Tom Donahue, president of 1814 Commemoration Inc.Canadians who still visit are adjusting their spending. Jean Perron, a Quebec resident and frequent kite surfer at the city beach, says his financial habits have changed.“I’m just driving through, paying my fee here for the parking and then leaving,” Perron said. “Instead of renting in a hotel, motel, food, gas. That’s what changes.”In his op-ed, Douglas emphasized that the relationship between the North Country and Canada is more than just economic — it’s deeply personal.“For us, the social connection is not just about neighbours and visitors,” he wrote. “But people regarded as friends and family.”As the dispute continues, local leaders and residents alike hope for a resolution that will restore the flow of commerce, tourism and goodwill that has long defined the region’s unique cross-border bond.
The North Country’s deeply rooted connection with Canada is showing signs of strain as the ongoing U.S.-Canada tariff dispute continues to affect both the local economy and the region’s unique international relationship.
In a recent op-ed published in The Montreal Gazette, Garry Douglas, president and CEO of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, raised alarms about the growing impact of tariffs on businesses and communities throughout the Plattsburgh region.
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“There is no place in the U.S. that enjoys as unique a historical, social and economic intertwining with Canada — settled by French and Irish from Quebec and evolving into, in many respects, a suburb of Montreal,” Douglas wrote.
Douglas also cited a recent survey revealing that 97% of local businesses across all industries oppose the tariffs, signaling near-unanimous concern over their consequences.
The region, long known for its close partnership with Canada, is beginning to feel the economic fallout in very real terms.
One visible sign of solidarity can be seen at the Plattsburgh City Beach, where local resident Kurt LaPrairie proudly waves Canadian and Quebec flags from his bicycle.
His goal is to encourage Canadian visitors not to stay away despite the tension at the national level.
“We just want to continue to be good friends and good neighbors and let them know that,” LaPrairie said. “So, they won’t stop coming, because I know that the traffic is down at the border, and we’d like them to come back just as usual.”
The Chamber reported that border crossings in Champlain dropped by 26% in April compared to the same month last year — a worrying trend for a region reliant on cross-border tourism and business.
The cultural impact is also becoming evident. One Canadian band that regularly performs at the annual Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration has announced it will not participate this year. The reason? Tariff politics.
“According to them, ‘We’re not happy with what’s happening with the tariff situation. And this is the only way we get to protest. Even though we love coming to your event, we’re sticking with our country,’” said Tom Donahue, president of 1814 Commemoration Inc.
Canadians who still visit are adjusting their spending.
Jean Perron, a Quebec resident and frequent kite surfer at the city beach, says his financial habits have changed.
“I’m just driving through, paying my fee here for the parking and then leaving,” Perron said. “Instead of renting in a hotel, motel, food, gas. That’s what changes.”
In his op-ed, Douglas emphasized that the relationship between the North Country and Canada is more than just economic — it’s deeply personal.
“For us, the social connection is not just about neighbours and visitors,” he wrote. “But people regarded as friends and family.”
As the dispute continues, local leaders and residents alike hope for a resolution that will restore the flow of commerce, tourism and goodwill that has long defined the region’s unique cross-border bond.