Trump’s Tariff Threats – Time for Cornwall to Kick the Cross-Border Habi

Well, here we go again—Trump is back in office, and so are his threats of tariffs on Canadian goods. Being a border town, Cornwall seems right in the middle of it. It’s always been easy to hop over to Massena for gas, groceries, or a quick shopping spree. Maybe it’s time to rethink our habits.

Because when you look at it, the days of scoring massive cross-border deals? They aren’t what they used to be.

Between the tolls, the exchange rate, and the mileage you’ll put on your car, those “bargains” often end up costing more than we think. Take, for example, the cost of eggs. Not so long ago, you would pay $1.23 USD a dozen. Today, you’ll pay $4.17 USD. This is actually higher than the $3.93 CDN you’ll pay at our local Walmart. It’s not worth it and is basically helping fuel a system that’s actively working against Canadian businesses. So why do it?

Meanwhile, local businesses here are working overtime to stay afloat. Every week, it seems, another business shuts its doors because they can’t keep up with the forever rising cost of doing business. The closure of these stores, who offer great products and services, often with a more personal touch than any big-box American store could ever give us, are a tremendous loss to our communities! What would Cornwall be without Bud’s Records or Happy Popcorn?

I’m not suggesting you go and exclusively supporting mom and pop shops. We know that’s merely impossible. But even while shopping in Canadian big-box stores, we can make a difference. Need cheese? Don’t buy Kraft. Buy Agropur or Saputo products. Or take a step even further and support truly local gems by getting some of St. Albert’s cheddar or Glengarry Fine Cheese. It’s so much better quality anyway.

Speaking of quality, Canadian-made products are top-notch. Whether it’s dairy, fresh produce, clothing, or home goods, we have amazing options right here at home. Sure, prices might be a little higher sometimes, but isn’t it worth the cost if you can ensure that money stays in our economy? It supports our neighbours, creates jobs, and helps Cornwall grow instead of padding the pockets of a country that keeps trying to squeeze us dry with tariffs, trade wars or threats of assimilation.

We have an opportunity here. With the bridge tolls going up to $5.25 in April—don’t get me started on how this will serve to further isolate Akwesasne—we have the perfect excuse to stop crossing the border and start exploring local alternatives. Instead of taking the usual Saturday drive to Massena, why not hit up some of the great local spots in town? Check out Cornerstone Organics or get your meat at Harvest.

At the end of the day, it’s about taking control. Trump can threaten us with tariffs all he wants, but we have the power to push back in our own way—even if our governments don’t—by choosing to support Canadian businesses and brands, and keeping our hard-earned cash where it belongs. In Canada.

More than ever, shop local!