Mayor Brown Advocates with Big City Mayors in Washington, DC
March 6 – Mayor Brown says that we are not giving up when it comes to jobs and economic prosperity between Canada and the US and was glad to join fellow Mayors to advocate to American leaders in Washington, DC.
What's at Stake
- Industries like auto parts, steel, aluminum, and poultry are at risk.
- If these tariffs go into effect, businesses will be forced to find new markets—fast.
What We're Doing
The City of Brampton is taking action to protect the local economy and jobs following the United States’ imposed tariffs on Canadian goods.
City Council called on the federal government for strong, reciprocal measures and the creation of the Mayor’s Tariff Task Force to support ongoing efforts and plans to build and strengthen market opportunities outside the USA.
Moved by Mayor Patrick Brown
Seconded by Regional Councillor Santos
WHEREAS, the United States has announced its intent to impose tariffs on all Canadian goods destined for the U.S.;
WHEREAS, these proposed tariffs threaten the stability of local industries and businesses, particularly those in Brampton, and could severely impact our economy, workers, and trade relations with the U.S.;
WHEREAS the City of Brampton is committed to protecting its local businesses, ensuring fair trade practices, and maintaining a competitive environment for all industries;
WHEREAS, on January 29, a motion was passed regarding a “Made in Canada” procurement policy exception in response to tariff threats from the US, should they be implemented;
WHEREAS, KPMG’s recent survey to Canadian Business leaders shares that 9 in 10 Canadian business leaders “wholeheartedly believe” that Canadian governments “must stand firm in protecting Canada’s sovereignty and values” and that includes fighting tariffs with tariffs, and over 80% want a targeted, dollar-for-dollar retaliatory response;
WHEREAS the City of Brampton needs to send a clear message that Canada is committed to ensuring balanced and fair-trade relationships, ensuring that businesses in Brampton and across Canada are not unfairly impacted by U.S. tariffs.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
That staff be directed to advocate for reciprocal tariffs to protect Brampton and Canadian industries,
That the City of Brampton collaborates with federal and provincial governments in championing policies that prioritize Brampton’s businesses and workers and ensure that Canada’s trade interests are effectively represented.
That City staff work with federal and provincial partners to ensure necessary support systems are in place for Canadian businesses to remain competitive in the global market and mitigate the impact of tariffs on key sectors.
That City staff advocate for federal financial support to help Canadian businesses offset shipping costs and access new markets
That City staff create the Mayor’s Tariff Task Force to address the challenges and opportunities of the tariffs and strengthening the city’s economy by:
- Developing a City to City strategy to engage local stakeholders in the U.S. market, including reaching out to U.S. businesses operating in Brampton; and US municipalities with common interest in protecting and strengthening our supply chain and exploring new opportunities.
- Exploring the diversification of Brampton’s trade relationships and removing inter-provincial trade barriers to prioritize Canadian supply chain opportunities.
- That the City of Brampton Economic Development Office support ongoing efforts and plan to build and strengthen market opportunities outside the USA.
- That staff engage in public consultation and report back to Council with a business case study for the creation of a municipal services corporation (MSC) to build relationships in new international markets and support the diversification of export markets for goods and services from Brampton.
Moved by Councillor Santos
Whereas possible tariffs from the United States of America (US), would threaten local jobs and the economy in Brampton; and
Whereas other orders of government are preparing to respond to such threats; and
Whereas all municipalities like The City of Brampton, are major purchasers of goods and services; and
Whereas The City of Brampton purchasing bylaw upholds respect for trade agreements, with specific reference to CETA (between Canada and the EU), but nothing specific
to the US.
Therefore be it resolved that, City staff report back as soon as possible, on a “Made in Canada” procurement policy exception in response to tariff threats from the
US, should they be implemented; and this motion be forwarded to the Region of Peel Council, FCM and AMO; and
That a preliminary list identifying vulnerable sectors within Brampton be developed by February 6, 2025.
