The mayor of Fort Frances is hoping the trade war between Canada and the United States does not impact relations between the town and International Falls.

The two communities share a common border and have enjoyed relations for over 120 years.

Andrew Hallikas says they have been good neighbours.

“The good folks in International Falls are our neighbours. They’re our friends. Some of them are our relatives,” says Hallikas.

“Their sports teams play over here. Our sports teams play over there. There’s all kinds of cross border shopping and cross bordering relationships going on.”

Hallikas says some are also sympathetic to Canada and its efforts to fight back against the imposition of U.S. trade tariffs.

There is concern about the impact on the Rainy River district.

Hallikas says many area companies and industries rely on supply chains with the United States.

He is also worried about the impact on the cost of living.

“It’s going to cause an increase in inflation. It’s going to cause a drop in our dollar. It’s likely going to cause an increase in unemployment. Certainly, food is going to take a hit.”

“We have a lot of vulnerable people here in the Rainy River District. We’ve got a lot of seniors on fixed incomes. We have homeless people who are down on their luck. People who are less fortunate, and don’t have any disposable income to speak of. So, this is going to hurt less fortunate people in society.”

Hallikas has plans to reach out to International Falls Mayor Drake Dill to reintegrate that Canada’s anger is with the policies of the Trump Administration and not with the American people.