Toronto/CMEDIA: Toronto’s Mayor Olivia Chow, along with members of the Mayor’s Economic Action Team announced Monday a new action plan to support and safeguard Toronto’s economy in the wake of tariff measures from the United States.
“People are feeling anxious about a senseless and harmful U.S. trade war…Toronto’s Economic Action Plan will protect businesses and workers…We stand united as proud Canadians…will emerge stronger than ever”, Chow has said
City of Toronto release on United States Tariff Response a Strategy:
The event for the Protection of Toronto Businesses, Workers and Residents took place at Fire Station 334 to highlight Toronto Fire Services’ new commitment to prioritize the procurement of Canadian-made fire apparatus and personal protective equipment
“We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents…We proudly support Canadian-made and supplied equipment, as it meets the high standards…to keep our first responders safe and effective…to invest in these trusted resources, we strengthen our commitment to public safety and the resilience of our emergency services,” Jim Jessop, Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services has said.
The release added that this is a key example of how the City is leveraging its purchasing power to strengthen local supply chains.
Presented as part of a City of Toronto staff report, the Mayor’s Economic Action Plan puts forward a comprehensive plan to mitigate the impact of new U.S. tariffs on Toronto businesses, workers and residents, it would be followed by the staff report at Toronto City Council at the end of the month.
While tariffs on steel and aluminum and other exports are already in place and affecting businesses, tariffs on all Canadian goods are expected to take effect on April 2
Creating significant uncertainty for Toronto’s economy, these trade measures account for 25 percent of Ontario’s GDP and facilitate approximately $123 billion in trade with the U.S. annually.
Building on Sidewalks to Skylines, Action Plan for Toronto’s Economy accelerates key initiatives to address the immediate and long-term impacts of rising U.S. protectionism.
“Toronto’s response to U.S. tariffs isn’t just about reacting…We’re stepping up with concrete measures like shifting procurement, providing tax relief and putting strategic protections in place to keep our local businesses strong….making sure Toronto stays competitive, our industries stay resilient and our workers stay secure,” Councillor Shelley Carroll (Don Valley North), Mayor’s Economic Development and Culture Champion, Vice Chair for Mayor’s Economic Action Team has said.
Over the next 30 days, the report outlines the City’s implementation of 10 actions to support businesses, protect workers and strengthen Toronto’s economy.
Key measures include: Prioritizing Canadian suppliers in City procurement, Deferring property taxes for industrial properties, Launching a “Love Local” campaign to encourage choice of Canadian-made goods and services, Providing dedicated supports and promotional efforts for Toronto’s manufacturing and industrial sector, Partnering with regional municipalities and the Province, Expanding global markets for Toronto businesses, Supporting technology adoption for businesses, Increasing procurement opportunities for Indigenous, Black and diverse suppliers and social enterprises, Helping businesses prepare for economic and technological disruptions related to tariffs, and Directing City staff spending toward Canadian-owned and local businesses.
“Small businesses and local workers are the heart of our neighbourhoods. This plan ensures that Toronto’s communities—especially those with small manufacturers, family-run shops and local suppliers—get the support they need. We are standing with our businesses, helping them stay strong and reinforcing Toronto’s position as a city that supports its own,” said Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik (Spadina-Fort York)
Amendments to Procurement policy are outlined below:
To support Canadian businesses and reduce exposure to U.S. tariffs, the report proposes Key changes in amendments to the City’s procurement bylaw, ensuring Canadian suppliers receive priority in competitive bidding processes include:
New City competitive contracts under $353,300 for goods/services and $8.8 million for construction exclusively to Canadian suppliers American-based suppliers may be deemed ineligible to bid on new competitive contracts when it is in the City’s best interest, Increased supplier outreach programs to find local alternatives for key goods, such as construction materials, technology, municipal water equipment and paramedic supplies, Expansion of procurement opportunities for Indigenous, Black and diverse suppliers
Industrial Property Tax Deferral Program
To help industrial businesses absorb the financial impact of tariffs, the staff report proposes an Industrial Property Tax Deferral Program.
This initiative allows eligible industrial property owners to defer tax payments from June 1 to November 30, 2025 without incurring late fees or interest charges.
Key details of the program include: Eligibility for industrial property owners experiencing significant financial hardship due to tariffs, No penalties or interest on late payments during the six-month deferral period, Estimated program cost of $300,000 to $750,000, offset against budgeted tax revenues, Application-based process with approval criteria based on financial impact assessments.
The City is actively working with the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario to align efforts under a Team Canada approach, ensuring a unified response to U.S. protectionist policies.
