Burlington City Council Passes “Buy Canadian” Resolution Amid Tariff Threats

As we begin 2025, we face a significant challenge that will impact our local and national economies. Tomorrow, U.S. President Donald Trump says he will impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, posing a serious threat to businesses and workers across Canada, including here in Burlington.

In response to this, Burlington City Council unanimously passed the "Buy Canadian" resolution to prioritize Canadian businesses and ensure economic resilience. The resolution includes the following commitments:

• Standing with Team Canada to urge decision-makers that tariffs are not in the best interests of Canadian or American consumers and businesses.

• Supporting federal and provincial "Buy Canadian" initiatives.

• Calling on federal and provincial governments to collaborate with municipalities on measures protecting Canadian consumers and businesses.

• Requesting removal of barriers that prevent municipalities from preferring Canadian companies for projects and supplies.

• Requesting that the provincial and federal governments take action to remove trade barriers between provinces as a response to US tariffs and support Canadian businesses.

According to data from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, across Ontario municipalities are expected to spend $250 - $290 billion on infrastructure in the next 10 years. Burlington’s 2025 capital program alone has $103.5 million allocated to infrastructure and development, which presents an opportunity to prioritize Canadian suppliers and contractors. This approach not only strengthens our local economy but also bolsters broader economic stability.

Canada and the United States share a robust trading partnership, with $3.6 billion in goods crossing the border daily. These tariffs threaten to destabilize this vital relationship, creating uncertainty on both sides. Burlington is committed to working with all levels of government to reduce these risks and promote policies that prioritize Canadian businesses.

In the face of this uncertainty, I urge all Burlingtonians to support Team Canada by choosing Canadian-made products and services. Together, we can safeguard jobs, stabilize prices, and strengthen our local economy.

This challenge is an opportunity for us to come together and build a resilient, prosperous future for Burlington. Together, we can navigate these uncertain times with determination and emerge even stronger.

You can review the resolution HERE.