SURREY Mayor Brenda Locke said in a statement on Saturday: “Surrey stands firmly with the Prime Minister [Mark Carney] and Team Canada in response to the latest developments in the Canada-U.S. trade relationship.

“The Prime Minister was right to reject an unfair agreement that would have harmed Canada’s economy and weakened our independence. Canada negotiated in good faith, but no deadline and no threat of tariffs should force our country to accept a bad deal. Canada must decide its own future, and Canadians must stand together to defend it.

“The United States’ decision to impose 50 per cent tariffs on billions of dollars in Canadian goods is unfair and will hurt workers, businesses and families on both sides of the border. Surrey supports the federal government’s strong response and its commitment to protect Canadian jobs and industries. Canada will not be intimidated, divided or pressured into giving up control of its future.

“Surrey has an important role to play as one of Canada’s largest and fastest-growing cities, and home to major industries, businesses and trade routes. I have asked staff to look closely at our procurement processes and identify opportunities to support Canadian businesses, products and workers wherever possible. We will work closely with our federal and provincial partners. We will also stand with Surrey’s business community and the people whose jobs and livelihoods are at risk.

“We value a strong and fair relationship with the United States, but that relationship must be based on fairness, trust and respect for Canada’s independence. Surrey’s position is clear: we stand with our workers, we stand with our businesses, and we stand with Canada.”