The Empire Club of Canada
Key Takeaways
• Michigan and Canada’s economies are deeply linked through manufacturing, agriculture, and the Great Lakes.
• The Ambassador Bridge carries over a quarter of $700B in annual trade between the two nations.
• Tariff uncertainty and political posturing from Washington are threatening jobs and supply chains.
• Governor Whitmer: “We can’t punish our partners — the only winner in that scenario is China.”
• Together, the Great Lakes region can lead North America’s EV and battery future.
A Partnership That Works
Michigan and Canada don’t just share a border — they share a destiny. Both boast proud manufacturing roots, thriving agricultural sectors, and a deep commitment to protecting the Great Lakes.
“We each have our famous Fords,” Governor Gretchen Whitmer quipped. “We have the motor company, and you have Premier Doug — both icons.”
That cross-border spirit powers a trade relationship worth more than $700 billion a year. The Ambassador Bridge, North America’s busiest crossing, carries more than a quarter of it — a vital artery supporting workers and industries on both sides.
Since Whitmer took office, Canadian businesses have launched 42 projects in Michigan, while Michigan companies have invested in 33 projects in Canada — proof that cooperation fuels growth.
The Cost of Chaos
But Washington’s tariff talk is threatening to derail progress. “The tone coming out of Washington is unproductive and unjustified,” Whitmer warned. “Most governors — Republican and Democrat — agree that Canada is our ally, our best friend, our partner.”
“Right now we’re shooting ourselves in the foot with a chaotic national tariff policy,” she said. “I’m not opposed to tariffs outright, but we can’t treat them as one-size-fits-all — and we certainly shouldn’t use them to punish our closest trading partners.”
Tariffs on Canadian aluminum, steel, lumber, and auto parts are raising costs, disrupting supply chains, and delaying production. “The only winner in this scenario is China,” Whitmer cautioned. “And they’re coming for our auto industry.”
The Great Lakes Advantage
Together, Michigan and Canada form the largest battery production hub in North America — a potential powerhouse for EV innovation. But maintaining that edge means investing in homegrown technology and protecting the integrity of our shared supply chain. Failing to do so would risk losing the very industries that built the middle class on both sides of the border.
Her message to Washington is simple: “We cannot turn our backs on one another — not now and not ever.”
Looking Ahead
Whitmer’s leadership on cross-border cooperation is gaining national attention. As journalist Steve Paikin put it:
“Lots of people are looking to you as a potential Democratic presidential nominee when the time is right.”
Whitmer smiled. “I anticipate helping, but I don’t know if I’m going to be the person.”
Politics aside, her message is clear — Canada and Michigan succeed together, or not at all.