Brantford City Council has approved a new set of measures aimed at protecting the local economy in response to tariffs imposed by the United States government on Canadian goods.
The decision follows weeks of analysis by the city’s recently formed Municipal Working Group on Trade and Procurement, created last month under Mayor Kevin Davis to assess the economic impact of the tariffs and recommend a municipal response.
The Working Group’s first report, presented during a Special City Council meeting today, outlines a multi-pronged approach focused on supporting local businesses, revising municipal procurement policies, and ensuring Brantford’s concerns are heard at the provincial and federal levels during ongoing trade talks.
One key recommendation endorsed by council is the development of a municipal Buy Canadian strategy, prioritizing Canadian suppliers in the City’s purchasing decisions.
Council also approved a review of Brantford’s current Economic Development Strategy, which covers 2024 to 2031, to ensure it accounts for the risks posed by international trade disputes and focuses on building economic resilience.
City staff will work directly with local industries to identify specific challenges caused by the tariffs and explore ways the municipality can offer practical support.
This could include helping businesses navigate changing export conditions, providing information on government assistance programs, and amplifying local businesses through marketing initiatives.
In a clear sign of how seriously council is treating the issue, all non-essential municipal travel to the United States has been suspended until further notice.
Brantford will also launch several new economic development initiatives aimed at strengthening ties with markets outside the U.S. and encouraging residents to support local businesses.
These measures include a dedicated online resource page for businesses seeking tariff-related information, U.S. Export Webinars, and enhanced regional tourism development to attract more domestic visitors.
Speaking after the meeting, Mayor Kevin Davis said the City is moving quickly to limit the potential damage to Brantford’s economy.
With the new tariffs taking effect today, Davis said local businesses cannot afford to wait for action from higher levels of government.
“Brantford’s economy is deeply tied to trade with the United States, and these tariffs present a direct threat to local businesses and jobs,” Davis said. “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.”
The Municipal Working Group on Trade and Procurement will continue monitoring developments and provide monthly updates to council’s Committee of the Whole – Planning and Administration.
City officials say the situation remains fluid, and Brantford’s response will evolve as trade policies between Canada and the United States change.
The tariffs include a 25 per cent duty on Canadian exports to the U.S. and a 10 per cent tariff specifically targeting Canadian energy products such as oil and electricity.
In response, Canada will impose 25 per cent tariffs on $30 billion worth of American goods starting Wednesday, with further tariffs on an additional $125 billion in U.S. exports set to follow within 21 days.
The full list of targeted American products has not yet been released, but officials say they will focus on industries and regions with significant political and economic importance.
Trade experts warn that the escalating penalties could disrupt key supply chains, raise prices for consumers, and strain the $800 billion annual trade relationship between the two countries.
