N.B. mayor goes to Washington, hears U.S. counterparts share tariff concerns
'It was actually quite courageous for them to be there,' Brittany Merrifield said of U.S. delegates
The mayor of Grand Bay-Westfield flew to Washington on Thursday to meet with municipal leaders from the U.S. and Mexico to talk about the mutual negative impacts of the U.S. trade war.
"There was a real sense of solidarity in the room," said Brittany Merrifield, who also serves as president of the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick.
Not knowing what to expect, Merrifield said she felt some apprehension before attending what was described as a friendly meeting of neighbours.
"I knew that some of the mayors were going to be Republican so I didn't know what kind of messaging they were going to come with," she said.
Merrifield speaks to Daniel Rickenmann, mayor of Columbia, S.C., about the negative impacts of tariff threats. (Federation of Canadian Municipalities)
What transpired was two days of candid accounts from grassroots politicians who said their constituents are already feeling pain from the tariffs and trade uncertainty brought on by the Trump administration.
Merrifield found it remarkable because she thought the U.S. mayors were risking political reprisals.
"It was actually quite courageous for them to be there," said Merrifield. "I have huge respect for all of these mayors who came under those conditions to do what they feel is right for the people they serve."
The delegates, including eight from Mexico, as well as Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and Rebecca Bligh — a Vancouver city councillor and president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities — presented a united front at a news conference Friday. It opened with remarks from Andrew Ginther, the mayor of Columbus, Ohio, and president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Merrifield attended the summit with Dan Murphy, executive director at Union of the Municipalities of New Brunswick. (Federation of Canadian Municipalities)
"The story is the same for all of us," said Ginther, after warning that tariffs were expected to add $21,000 US to the median cost of an American home during a housing supply crisis.
"All of us are mayors, we are closest to the people we represent," he said. "We understand that politics and partisanship go on in … Washington, but we just care about what's best for our residents, our workers, our companies, the consumers in our cities, and we're going to make our voice heard."
Daniel Rickenmann, mayor of Columbia, S.C., said tariffs could have a $3-billion US impact on trade in his state.
He said about one in five jobs in South Carolina connects to the auto, aerospace and textile sectors, which are heavily dependent on international trade.
"It supports well north of 10,000 jobs just in our community," said Rickenmann.
He said metal packaging manufacturer Sonoco, based in South Carolina, was already feeling the impact of Trump's executive order to impose tariffs of 25 per cent on Canadian steel and aluminum.
The decision by some provinces to pull American alcohol from their shelves is also hitting Kentucky distillery employees, he said.
"That's causing major layoffs already," he said.
Anticipation of more tariffs
The mayors were speaking in anticipation of more tariffs to come.
Late Wednesday, Trump said he'd signed an executive order that will impose a 25 per cent import tariff on vehicles not made in the U.S. Although the full implications of the tariff weren't immediately clear, he said the levy will kick in on April 2.
"I know that President Trump cares about Michigan," said Bryan Barnett, the mayor of Rochester Hills, Mich.
"I need to relay to the Trump administration how important these decisions are to the auto industry and to the state that supported him."
Andy Schor, mayor of Lansing, Mich., which is home of two General Motors auto assembly plants, said tariffs will hurt the working class.
"We make on average $48,000 US per year," said Schor. "If cars go up anywhere close to $10,000, you're going to have people that cannot afford to buy cars."
Schor also noted that mayors from both sides of the political divide were united in their concerns.
"To see a mayor, Bryan Barnett of Michigan, leaning Republican, and Andy Schor of Michigan leaning Democrat … all of us coming together, along with our new friends, I think this is something that people are going to stand up and take notice of," said Schor gesturing first to Barnett, then to himself, then to the other mayors in the room.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shannon Merrifield: Big bad wolf is at our door
Why N.B. needs a long-term growth plan
New Brunswick’s latest budget commentary paints a picture of financial stability, but the numbers tell a different story. A $500 million deficit is a red flag and a warning sign. It signals we are managing decline and in need of building a clearly defined path for long-term prosperity.
Our economy isn’t growing fast enough to keep up with the pressures ahead. With rising borrowing costs, productivity challenges, and shifting global trade policies, the risk isn’t just we fall behind—it’s that we get left behind. The big bad wolf is at our door, and if we don’t act now, we’ll find ourselves reacting to crisis instead of shaping our future.
The real solution: A bold, long-term vision
New
Brunswick has been fortunate in recent years. Population growth has
boosted our tax base, and businesses have remained resilient. But growth
without productivity is a house built on sand. Right now, we are:
– Underinvesting in productivity and innovation, limiting our ability to compete.
– Exposed to global trade disruptions and in need of a strategy to build economic resilience.
– Facing a workforce crisis, with businesses unable to find the talent they need.
Even balancing the books wouldn’t be enough. Without a clear plan to grow the economy, we’ll be facing even tougher decisions in the years ahead.
A roadmap for the future
New Brunswick—and Saint John as its economic engine – requires a robust strategy that doesn’t just manage decline but drives sustainable growth. Over the next few weeks, we will explore three key areas where bold action is needed:
Boosting Productivity & Investment
• Why we must increase economic output per worker to raise wages and create sustainable prosperity.
• How infrastructure investments and business innovation can drive long-term gains.
Building Economic Resilience in a Changing Global Market
• How Saint John’s port, industries, and supply chains are vulnerable to trade disruptions.
• What policies and investments can protect our economy from external shocks.
Fixing Our Workforce Crisis to Fuel Growth
• Why businesses can’t fill critical roles and what that means for our economy.
• How targeted education, training, and immigration strategies can close the gap.
It’s time to act. Now.
New Brunswick has a unique opportunity – but also a responsibility – to take decisive steps toward a stronger, more resilient economy. Our business community is ready to help shape that future, and we want to work with all levels of government to build that vision and action. Let’s give credit where it is due – as initial steps have been made through ONB’s $40 million competitive growth program. However, it only starts here – the collective “we” (government, business and industry) need to be strategic on how these funds are utilized. “We” need to be laser focused and be ready to invest in clearly defined sectors that will yield future investment. More on this to come in our next article.
Short-term fixes are only part of the answer. If we want a New Brunswick that is stronger, wealthier, and more competitive in the decades to come, the time to build is now. Because when the big bad wolf comes knocking, a well-managed budget won’t cut it — we need an economy built to last.
Shannon Merrifield is the CEO of the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce; smerrifield@thechambersj.com
Chamber Staff
Michael Sadavoy
Director of Growth & Business Support
506.651.1887
msadavoy@thechambersj.com
https://grandbaywestfield.ca/brittany-merrifield-mayor/
Brittany Merrifield – Mayor
Mayor Brittany Merrifield
Brittany Merrifield was elected to Town Council in May of 2021, and is the second Mayor of the Town of Grand Bay-Westfield.
She is proud to have the privilege of living in and serving a dynamic community, renowned for being Neighbours by Nature – A welcoming place for all to live, grow and thrive.
Professionally, Brittany holds a Psychology Degree and is an award-winning photographer.
Brittany is a recipient of The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.
Energetic and results-oriented, Brittany’s vision is driven by her belief that if you want to effect change, you have to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Her desire to make a difference, is what motivates her tackle the issues that she believes matter to the people of Grand Bay-Westfield.
Brittany is proud to serve on numerous committees including the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, to represent and advocate the needs of municipalities, including Grand Bay-Westfield.
Brittany counts her family to be among her greatest accomplishments.
Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann
Daniel Rickenmann is the 71st Mayor of Columbia, South Carolina. He is an innovative entrepreneur and a dedicated public servant with a passion for improving the quality of life for all in the Palmetto State’s Capital City.
Since becoming Mayor in 2022, Rickenmann has worked tirelessly to expand housing options, increase community cleanliness and pride, and improve the City’s customer service operations. Rickenmann has prioritized public safety, implementing new programs to reduce crime and improve emergency response times. He strongly advocates for the city’s parks and green spaces, creating new opportunities for outdoor recreation and promoting environmental sustainability – especially on the city’s riverfront. Under his leadership, Columbia has continued to experience economic growth, with new businesses opening and job opportunities expanding.
Rickenmann’s political career began in 2002 when he was elected to the Columbia City Council. During his 14-year tenure on the council, he was a vocal advocate for fiscal responsibility, public safety, and infrastructure improvements. He was crucial in revitalizing downtown Columbia, promoting affordable housing, and supporting local small businesses.
As Mayor, Rickenmann represents the City of Columbia as a member of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, where he serves as an Advisory Board Member, Chair of the Energy Committee and participates in the Public-Private Partnerships Task Force. He is also a member of the Climate Mayors network, the Smart Surfaces Coalition, and the Mayor’s Alliance to End Childhood Hunger.
Rickenmann ranked number two in the Post and Courier Power List 2023, was named one of Columbia’s 50 Most Influential 2023 by Columbia Business Monthly, and was selected for The State Newspapers top 20 under 40. Fortune Magazine named him one of six Green Leaders in a red state, and he was and-picked by the American Swiss Foundation to attend the Young Leaders Conference in Zurich, Switzerland. As Mayor, he was selected to participate in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative in 2022 alongside 40 other mayors from across the globe.
Outside of politics, Rickenmann’s entrepreneurial successes in the restaurant industry, renewable energy development, and spirit production familiarized him with Columbia’s challenges. Shortly after graduating college, he opened his first restaurant in the city – Birds on a Wire. Then, in 2009, he founded a renewable energy company focused on creative solutions for powering local communities. Now, Rickenmann is making a splash in the spirits industry, co-founding Forbidden Bourbon, a Kentucky-based company with the first female master distiller.
Raised in Spartanburg, Rickenmann is a first-generation American citizen raised by a single mother. He moved to Columbia to attend the University of South Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 1992.
Rickenmann is focused on making Columbia a place his fellow citizens and family proudly call home. He is married to Laura Rickenmann, a local pediatrician. Together, they have two daughters, Carlyle and Ellie, and two dogs, Lulu and Quila.
1737 Main Street
Columbia, SC 29201
803-447-9768
Mayor@columbiasc.gov
Boards, Commissions, and Committees
- City Council Legislative Committee Chair
- Columbia-Fort Jackson Joint Committee on Cooperation Chair
- The River Alliance Board
- Central SC Alliance Executive Committee
- City Center Partnership, Inc. Board
- USC Columbia Technology Incubator Board
- Dean’s Advisory Board, University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business
- U.S. Conference of Mayor’s Advisory Board, Energy Committee Chair
Around Town with @ColaMayor
Columbia is open for business! And now the mayor of Cola, Daniel Rickenmann is opening up the studio too! Join Mayor Rickenmann every other week for interviews with some of Cola’s finest from thriving small business owners to seasoned politicians and everything in between.
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