Gov. Whitmer Delivers Address on Tariffs Between Michigan and Canada

Strengthening Michigan-Canada Ties

• 💡 The Michigan-Canada relationship is deep, with a $95 billion trade relationship, including $68 billion with Ontario, making Canada a crucial trading partner.
• 🤝 Both share a proud manufacturing tradition, strong agriculture, commitment to the Great Lakes, and the busiest international border crossing in North America (Detroit-Windsor).
• ✅ Canadian businesses have created 7,800 jobs in Michigan, and Michigan businesses have created 10,000 jobs in Canada since Governor Whitmer took office.

Impact of US Tariff Policy

• ⚠️ The current US national tariff policy is chaotic and detrimental, with tariffs slapped on allies like Canada, causing uncertainty and distrust.
• 📉 Tariffs on auto parts (e.g., 25%) are damaging supply chains, slowing production, and leading to job losses and increased costs for consumers and businesses.
• 📈 Companies are considering moving operations entirely overseas to avoid multiple tariffs, which inadvertently benefits competitors like China.

North American Auto Industry at Risk

• 🚗 Michigan and Ontario together form the largest vehicle manufacturing cluster in the world, with significant investments in EV and battery production.
• 🇨🇳 The influx of cheap Chinese EVs and batteries in markets like Europe demonstrates a threat to the North American auto industry and its millions of jobs.
• 🔥 Governor Whitmer warns that saying "no to Canada" on trade is effectively saying "yes to China", urging for a unified North American strategy.

Leadership and Bipartisan Solutions

• 🗣️ Governor Whitmer uses her platform to advocate directly to the White House against tariffs on allies, emphasizing the importance of the USMCA agreement.
• 🌊 She highlights Michigan's commitment to protecting the Great Lakes, specifically mentioning the need to get the Line 5 pipeline out of the water.
• 🤝 Emphasizes the importance of bipartisan cooperation and focusing on the practical needs of people, exemplified by her "fix the damn roads" campaign.

Addressing Societal Challenges

• 🇺🇸 The Governor discusses the severe issue of gun violence in the US, noting that guns are the leading cause of death for American children, and advocates for federal legislation.
• 💬 She addresses political extremism and polarization, stressing the need for leaders to model respectful behavior and fight to protect democratic rights.
• 🚀 The upcoming Gordie Howe International Bridge is presented as a symbol of the enduring and successful partnership between Michigan and Canada.