Choosing Canada: Mississauga outlines its response to American tariffs

City launches series of comprehensive initiatives to support local businesses during this time of global economic uncertainty and in response to American tariffs on Canadian goods.

March 5, 2025

During today’s General Committee meeting, City staff provided an update to Council regarding Mississauga’s response to the U.S. tariffs, including more information on the economic impact on Mississauga’s local economy and changes to the City’s procurement processes. Mississauga’s response comes after the U.S. imposed tariffs on Canada. In retaliation, the Government of Canada has imposed 25 per cent counter-tariffs on $155 billion worth of U.S. goods and implemented immediate tariffs on goods worth $30 billion, with the remainder to be implemented within 21 days.

As Canada continues to navigate these unprecedented economic challenges, the City is taking a strategic and measured approach to its response. The City has already begun implementing various initiatives aimed at supporting local businesses and the economy and protecting local jobs.

Given the strong interdependence within the supply chain between Canada, its provinces and the United States, the newly imposed tariffs will drive up costs for both business inputs and consumer goods. Other potential impacts include disruptions to supply chains, reduced business investment and reconsideration of investments in Mississauga.

The City’s response to U.S. tariffs

The City is taking action to support local businesses and residents. Efforts include direct outreach, advocacy and working to ensure local Mississauga businesses are connected to the supports and available resources from all levels of government.

City initiatives already underway

Partners in Trade Response Plan

This long-term plan aims to support Mississauga’s businesses, protect jobs, and stabilize our local economy. The plan includes:

  • Procurement By-law amendments – The City is amending its Procurement By-law to prioritize Canadian and non-U.S. suppliers, especially for medium and high-value projects, and streamline the process to support more local, diverse, and smaller businesses.
  • Choose Canada campaign – The City launched the Choose Canada initiative in February, encouraging residents and businesses to support the local economy by purchasing Canadian-made products and services.
  • Business support and outreach – The City will engage with local businesses to understand their needs and provide access to resources for navigating tariff disruptions. This includes market diversification support for businesses looking to enter into new markets beyond the U.S.
  • Advocacy – The City will continue to advocate to provincial and federal governments to secure support for impacted businesses and the elimination of inter-provincial trade barriers.

The City is also working with the Mississauga Board of Trade, the Toronto Region Board of Trade, Export Development Canada and other business associations and partners to assist local businesses in learning more about the impacts of tariffs, managing supply chain risks and navigating these challenging times. The City’s Economic Development Division has a long history of assisting businesses in their time of need, including most recently during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information on the City’s response to tariffs and how you can support local businesses, visit investmississauga.ca/partnersintrade.

For more details on the Government of Canada’s response, including the list of U.S. products subject to counter-tariffs, click here.

Quotes

“We’re facing unprecedented economic uncertainty. The newly imposed U.S. tariffs are threatening jobs on both sides of the border and sending trading markets into a free fall. As a manufacturing and trade hub, Mississauga is affected, but we are resilient. While we cannot control the tariffs, we can respond. Mississauga stands united with our federal and provincial governments against these unjust tariffs and will continue to support local businesses and residents. I encourage everyone to participate in our Choose Canada campaign by supporting Canadian-made products where you can.” – Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish

“Our City’s manufacturing sector, which supports thousands of jobs, is particularly vulnerable to tariffs and economic uncertainty. Industry forecasts project a two to three percentage point increase in the unemployment rate nationwide, translating to an estimated loss of 600,000 jobs across the country, and significant ripple effects to communities like Mississauga. That’s why we’re taking action to advocate for our manufacturers, local industries, businesses and workers and to connect our businesses with necessary resources and support. By collaborating with local businesses and partners, we aim to strengthen our economy and protect the livelihoods of Mississauga residents.” – Christina Kakaflikas, Director, Economic Development, City of Mississauga

“Last year, Mississauga invested more than $730 million in procurements, and these tariffs will substantially drive up costs for our city. To respond effectively, our amended Procurement By-law will enable us to prioritize Canadian suppliers and those from non-U.S. sources wherever possible, particularly for medium and high-value projects. This proactive approach will streamline the procurement process and help us empower more local, diverse, and small businesses to compete and thrive.”
– Raj Sheth, Commissioner, Corporate Services, City of Mississauga