Mayor Watson declines U.S. Ambassador’s party invite
Posted Jun 28, 2018 05:05:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Ottawa's Mayor is skipping the U.S. Ambassador's annual party, citing trade disputes with the Trump administration.
“I politely declined because I’m not happy with the direction of the American government and their constant attacks on our country,” said Mayor Jim Watson.
He added, “I don't want to show up to something that I don't feel comfortable with on a principle point of view.”
The U.S. announced tariffs on Canada's softwood lumber, and steel and aluminum industries, which resulted in Canada countering with its own set of tariffs.
Watson stated the U.S. government has made “constant threats to our steel industry, aluminum, our car industry, our dairy industry.”
Canada's retaliatory tariffs go into effect Canada Day, July 1.
On Ottawa Today with Mark Sutcliffe, Watson said, “It would be hypocritical of me to go and have a good time at the American residence when there have been so many disputes the last several months”
Listen to the full conversation with Mayor Jim Watson on Ottawa Today with Mark Sutcliffe:
