Trump, tariffs and affordability top of mind for voters in Chatham-Kent-Leamington

Voters in downtown Chatham, Ont. have a range of topics that matter to them heading into this federal election — but top of mind, were U.S. President Donald Trump and his tariffs, the economy, and affordability. 

Chatham is part of the Chatham-Kent-Leamington riding, which has been Conservative for nearly two decades. Dave Epp has held the position since 2019, and before that Conservative MP David E. Van Kesteren was elected in 2006 when it was still Chatham-Kent-Essex.  There are four other candidates hoping to flip the seat.

According to the President of the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce Rory Ring, there's an "underlying nervousness" about what the next year will hold for the community. 

Ensuring Canada's economic sovereignty in the face of tariffs is a key election issue, Ring stressed.

"A lot of southwestern Ontario has a lot on the line," he said.

He pointed out that much of the conversation about the impact of tariffs has been zeroed in on Windsor as the epicentre of the automotive industry.

"We sometimes tend to be left behind in the conversation, but many of our citizens as well as our companies do business in Windsor, in Detroit as part of that supply chain. As well, we have over $4 billion worth of agricultural product that is exported into the U.S. market. So, you know, we have a diverse economy, but also a very, very important one to trade across Canada," Ring explained.

Impact of tariffs

Since Trump took office, Canada has been confronted with a number of tariff threats from the United States. On March 27, Donald Trump slapped Canada with 25 per cent levies on assembled vehicles and some automotive parts.

"I think we're in a very dynamic time and you know, no matter what the outcome of the election is, I think Canadians are calling for us all to work together," he said. 

"Yes, there will be differences, but let's make sure that we're having open and positive conversations."

Chris Ford runs the Art & Heirloom Shoppe in downtown Chatham and has an "Elbows Up" sign right by the front door. The expression has become a rallying cry against U.S. tariffs — an issue that she says is already impacting her business.

"It's affecting it greatly because people are afraid and they're coming in still in droves as usual, but they're not spending. You know, I've noticed a real big difference," she said. 

Growing demand for local food bank

Affordability was already an issue even before tariffs, and is a growing issue in the region. The Executive Director for Chatham Outreach Hunger Brenda LeClair says last year, they had 1200 new families register for their services — bringing up their current total households to 11,000, which is a sizeable 12 per cent increase.

LeClair says it's "very disturbing" to have that many families coming in, with many of them explaining that lack of affordable housing is one of the biggest reasons why they find themselves having to rely on a food bank. 

This election, LeClair wants candidates to "focus on what the needs are in the communities," she said. 

"Listen to the people who are out there voting but who are also struggling. We need more affordable housing. We need something to be done there drastically. There are so many living on the streets here in our community and all across the province, as we are aware, and that is not acceptable," she said. 

What do voters think?

Chatham resident Jamal Lewis shared LeClair's concerns about affordability, and wants to see federal parties address the issue head on. 

"I want to see homeless people off the street. I want to see everybody housed. I want prices to be affordable. I want kids to be able to eat when they go to school," Lewis said. 

For fellow resident Cindy Simoroni, controlling spending and improving access to housing are key for her. She feels Liberal Leader Mark Carney is the one to do just that. 

"He has so much experience. When you need something done, you go to an economist, and that's what he is, so I think he can help," she said. 

But for John Paquette, it's Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party that's best for the job, citing the economy and firearms rights as his sticking points. 

"I think we need infrastructure. We've spent the last eight years cancelling our infrastructure and dismantling things like our oil, gas pipelines and programs that would make us capable of shipping oil and gas to our coast so we can sell it to places that aren't the U.S." he said.

Michael Singeisen also aligns with the Conservative Party's policies.

"It matters that we don't repeat the same mistakes we did the last 10 years or so," he said.

Here is the full list of candidates for the riding of Chatham-Kent Leamington:

• Dave Epp — Conservative Party of Canada (incumbent).
• Seamus Fleming — New Democratic Party.
• Trevor Lee — People's Party of Canada. 
• Keith Pickard — Liberal Party of Canada. 
• James Plunkett — Green Party of Canada.