Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore answer questions from reporters at Halifax City Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. Photo by Ryan Taplin /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentBoston Mayor Michelle Wu was in Halifax on Tuesday, visiting a day ahead of the annual Tree for Boston tree cutting, a tradition celebrating the ties between the two cities.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content“It’s a very special day for Mayor Wu to be joining us from Boston,” Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore said during a media availability with Wu on Tuesday. “It’s a distinct pleasure to welcome her and her team to City Hall today.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentHalifax and Boston share a long-standing relationship built on trade and history. The bond was further strengthened through the Halifax Explosion when, upon hearing the news of the disaster, Boston sent aid and relief.Article contentThe tree cutting will take place Wednesday in Lunenburg County.Article content Boston Mayor Michelle Wu hangs a wreath at the Remembrance Day ceremony at Grand Parade on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. Wu will also attend the annual Christmas tree for Boston cutting ceremony in Lunenburg County on Wednesday. Photo by Ryan Taplin /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentThis visit marks the first time a Boston mayor has witnessed the tree being cut down and loaded for transport as part of the annual tradition.Article content“I am so, so thankful for the many years of enduring friendship between Halifax and Boston that I have been honoured to take the baton on in the last four years,” Wu said.Article contentThe annual lighting of the Tree for Boston is one of the most important events in the city, Wu said. She expressed her excitement to witness the tradition from the start.Article content“It was important for me to be here this year, to bring a direct thanks on behalf of the people of Boston,” she said.Article contentArticle contentThe mayors said that despite growing tensions over tariffs between Canada and the United States, the relationship between Boston and Halifax remains strong.Article contentWu said Washington does not speak for Boston. As the local leader, she has had to fight decisions by the federal government both “in court and every day in the lives of our residents.”Article content“For me, this is a chance to make clear that the people of Boston feel very differently about the people of Halifax and the relationship that we might see from our federal politics in America at this moment,” she said.Article contentFillmore, who is a dual citizen of the United States, agreed with Wu when asked about his views on U.S. President Donald Trump.Article content“I share the mayor’s perspective that the values being displayed through some of the significant policy decisions are not representative of the founding values of the United States,” he said. “And I am worried; I’m worried about the direction of this leadership.”Article contentDespite expressing concerns, both mayors said the friendship between the two cities will continue to endure. The Tree for Boston tradition helps it along.Article content“This is a way to remind the people that live in Boston and the people that live in Halifax that we’re really good friends, that we work together,” Fillmore said. “So, this is a reminder that friendships are important and we’re better when we’re together.”Article content
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu visits Halifax ahead of Lunenburg tree cutting
