THUNDER BAY — Trump tariffs, the cost of living, and healthcare are among the top-of-mind concerns Thunder Bay residents have going into this federal election.
Newswatch went to three locations around the city, Grandview Mall, Country Fair, and Lakehead University, to ask the public what concerns they would like to see addressed during the campaign.
At County Fair, a city resident told Newswatch that Canada needs strong leadership against U.S. President Donald J. Trump's trade war.
“I think the main issue this election, unfortunately, is Mr. Trump south of the border and what tariffs he will be putting on Canada and the rest of the world because that will affect us as well. Prices increasing, jobs being lost, it's an uncertainty for the next few months, maybe a year,” he said.
At Grandview Mall, Newswatch interviewed five senior residents who all said that U.S. Canada relations are a major issue for them.
“I'm hoping that the elected people (take) Trump's tariffs seriously. I think that they all realize that's the big issue, and although Canadians are standing as one, we really have to encourage that,” one resident said.
“The U.S. concerns, they're definitely part of the whole topic, all the topics they'll all be affected,” another resident said.
They also added that food security and federal healthcare are a top priority.
“There's a lot of people that don't have family doctors, and you go to the walk-in clinic and the emergency and it's packed and that is a concern, especially as I get older,” she said.
Three university students Newswatch interviewed said they are concerned about the rising cost of housing.
“Being a university student who will eventually want to be living on my own, I'm kind of concerned of how expensive like things could be and how you can make like ends meet if the minimum wage won’t be able to match the cost of living,” said one student.
An international student at Lakehead said he would like to see the government look into reducing international tuition fees.
“You can clearly see the students' fees here for natives, it's around, for masters, I think, it's $3,000 to $4,000. At the same place, if the international students come here, it is $11,000 to $12,000, which is 4 times more than that,” he said.
He also said the cost of renting an apartment off-campus is far too high for full-time students.
“It's really expensive, and students probably can't afford that. So, if they can do something about that affordable accommodation, then it will be good,” he said.
A second international student echoed the sentiment that rents are too high. He also added that the high rents add an extra barrier in transitioning into life as a Canadian.
