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Today, Mayor Meed Ward issued a Mayoral Direction focused on supporting Canadian businesses, workers, and the broader Burlington community, aligning with provincial and federal efforts to bolster national economic resilience. With growing concerns over potential new tariffs on Canadian exports to the United States, this proactive approach seeks to protect local jobs and businesses while promoting the well-being of Burlington’s residents. Through targeted measures, the City aims to prioritize Canadian vendors and services while fostering long-term community strength and economic stability.
The Mayoral Direction outlines key measures for staff to determine ways that the City could prioritize Canadian vendors, promote local businesses, and safeguard community interests in the event tariffs are imposed. This action follows a recent Council resolution to Buy Canadian.
The Mayoral Direction issues the following directions to staff:
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The Chief Financial Officer to prepare a report for the March 3, 2025, Committee of the Whole outlining ways the City could, where possible, prioritize Canadian vendors and suppliers in the event new tariffs are imposed on Canadian exports to the United States of America, including:
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Limiting contract renewals and new contracts to Canadian-only companies;
- Pausing procurement;
- Ensuring all new purchases of goods and services are from Canadian companies;
- Ending all conferences or trips to the U.S. other than for advocating for a removal of tariffs; and
- Reporting on costs and funding sources for any measure taken in response to tariffs.
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Staff to undertake research and provide advice to the head of Council on potential responses to the tariff threats, including attendance at Mayor’s Tariff Task Force meetings as required in a research and advisory capacity.
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The Head of Corporate Affairs to develop a “Buy Canadian” webpage where residents can find resources to make Buy Canadian decisions.
The directions are effective immediately.
The City is focused on ensuring Canadian businesses have the support they need to stay strong, competitive, and resilient in the face of uncertainty.
Burlington is a city where people, nature and business thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at burlington.ca/subscribe and follow @CityBurlington on social media.
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Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
“As we face continued uncertainty regarding potential tariffs, I am committed to ensuring that our local businesses, workers, and residents are supported in every way possible. Today, I have taken a proactive step to protect our community, ensure our economic stability, and prioritize Canadian vendors and services. With a 30-day reprieve from tariffs announced this week, today’s action enables staff to take full advantage of the time afforded to prepare a response and assess all available options. Burlington has faced challenges before, and time and again, we have come together with strength, determination, and optimism. This situation is no different. By sticking together and supporting each other, we will navigate these uncertain times and protect Burlington and our local economy.”
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