City of Brantford has taken decisive action in response to the United States government’s tariffs imposed on Canadian goods, which came into effect on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
Last month, Brantford formed a Municipal Working Group on Trade and Procurement to assess the impact of U.S. tariffs, advocate for local industries, and develop a municipal response plan.
The Working Group’s first report, which was considered at a Special City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, outlines a series of strategic measures to protect Brantford’s economy, support local businesses, and ensure municipal purchasing policies align with economic resilience efforts while the tariffs remain in place.
“Brantford’s economy is deeply tied to trade with the United States, and these tariffs present a direct threat to local businesses and jobs,” said Kevin Davis, Mayor for the City of Brantford. “We are taking immediate and decisive steps to protect our city’s economic stability and ensure our businesses have the necessary support to withstand these challenges and remain competitive.”
City Council approved the staff report that recommends the City collaborate with provincial and federal governments to advocate for local business concerns in ongoing trade discussions. Furthermore, City staff will monitor changes in municipal procurement oversight at the provincial and federal levels and explore policy amendments to prioritize Canadian suppliers as part of a Buy Canadian strategy. The City will also review its 2024-2031 Economic Development Strategy to strengthen resilience against external trade conflicts.
To support local businesses, Brantford will continue engaging with industries to identify and implement municipal measures that mitigate the impact of the imposed U.S. tariffs. Additionally, all non-essential municipal travel to the U.S. has been suspended until further notice. Several business and trade initiatives will be launched, including Foreign Direct Investment marketing, U.S. Export Webinars, a U.S. Tariff Resources Webpage, regional collaboration on trade response, Buy Local and Buy Canadian promotions, and enhanced tourism development efforts.
The Working Group will continue to monitor developments and provide monthly reports to the Committee of the Whole – Planning and Administration, ensuring an ongoing response as the trade situation evolves.
