U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Caledonia, told constituents he is hoping for an end to the trade war between the United States and Canada during a telephone town hall on Tuesday.
His comments come less than a week before tariffs up to 50% on Canadian goods could be imposed on America if the two countries don’t reach a deal. Moolenaar said he believes some of the negotiations have been “counterproductive” and is hoping to have a deal that treats both countries fairly.
“Unfortunately, what normally is a civil private negotiation working towards agreements has spilled into some name calling and some things that haven't been as productive as I'd like,” Moolenaar said.
After Republican President Donald Trump announced a wave of new tariffs on America’s northern neighbors in August, Prime Minister Mark Carney said, “Canada will match Washington’s new tariffs dollar for dollar.”
Steel, aluminum, furniture and clothing would have the heaviest tariffs.
“Quite frankly, we've got some work ahead of us,” Moolenaar said. “Canada is an important trading partner, and my goal is to see this resolved in a constructive way.”
The United States’ 50% tariffs on American vehicles and auto parts won’t take effect until Jan. 1, 2027.
In response to Canada’s retaliatory tariffs, Trump signed an executive order last week to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America. Moolenaar criticized the order during the meeting.
“I don't support changing the name of Lake Ontario,” Moolenaar said. “The lake was named about 400 years ago, dating back to the native Iroquois nation … the province wasn't named Ontario until 1867.”
Moolenaar is seeking reelection for his seat in Michigan’s 2nd Congressional District in this November’s general election.
He's served five terms in the U.S. House, first serving in Michigan's former 4th Congressional District before it shifted into the current 2nd Congressional District after maps were redrawn in 2020.
