Canadian border mayors push feds for financial aid for slumping duty free stores [Video]

Border mayors in Canada are pleading with the federal government to offer financial assistance to struggling independently owned duty free stores amidst ongoing political and economic trade war tension.

An open letter penned on behalf of the Frontier Duty Free Association (FDFA) has been signed by 15 mayors whose communities overlook the United States, and who have seen a steep decline in cross-border trips. On Tuesday, it was sent to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne.

The association represents 32 stores across the country.

The letter outlines what’s referred to as a disproportionate impact the stores, and their work forces, are facing from tariffs and continued cross-border travel disruptions.

WATCH | Duty free shops fear Trump’s trade war will force them out of business: 

Barbara Barrett, the executive director for FDFA, says “immediate action” is needed from Ottawa.

“When travel slows or stops, our stores — all independently owned, family run and often the main employer in their …