Opinion | Municipalities have a critical role in Canada’s economic defence

Opinion by Mayor Marianne Meed Ward for the Hamilton Spectator 

March 22, 2025

Across this province and throughout Canada, municipalities are suddenly facing challenges that go beyond the immediate needs of infrastructure, housing and public services. We are now on the front lines of the trade war between Canada and the United States.

During my recent trip to Washington, D.C. with a delegation of both Canadian and American mayors, it was clear from conversations with elected representatives, business leaders and trade experts that municipalities will play an increasingly vital role in navigating this volatile landscape. The growing uncertainty, driven by tariffs, protectionist policies and ever-changing trade decisions, affect everything from manufacturing to agriculture, from supply chains to consumer prices.

Whether it’s a large employer laying off workers, a Main Street retailer grappling with increased costs for imported goods, or a family struggling with rising prices at the grocery store, the impacts are felt first at the local level. It is local governments that will bear the brunt of these challenges. We feel the ripple effects in real time.

Municipalities are the ones fielding resident concerns, offering advice and working to mitigate the damage on the ground. But beyond just responding to immediate concerns, we must also be proactive in finding supports and solutions.

Burlington and many other municipalities have taken important steps to defend our local economies while contributing to a broader national effort. Our city recently passed a “Buy Canadian” resolution, which encourages residents to prioritize Canadian-made goods and services whenever possible. To support these efforts, our Buy Canadian webpage serves as a one-stop resource to learn about local products, services, employers and suppliers. It’s a simple, yet powerful statement of support for our homegrown industries.

And buying local goes for the municipality as well. Cities have substantial purchasing power — Burlington’s capital program alone was valued at $100 million for 2024. According to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, municipalities across the province are expected to invest between $250 billion to $290 billion in infrastructure over the next decade. When you multiply that across Canada, the scale is substantial.

But we are not stopping there. To ensure businesses have the tools they need to navigate the current environment, I formed a tariff task force, bringing together local business leaders, members of council, local business organizations, municipal staff and economic experts who will provide guidance on how to manage and overcome the challenges posed by tariffs. Additionally, Burlington is looking at financial supports to keep our local economy moving, including interest-free deferral of taxes, development charges, permits and fees.

Municipalities also have power in our advocacy. One of the most valuable lessons I learned during my trip to Washington was the importance of mayors speaking with one voice — across political affiliations and across the Canada-U.S. border — that arbitrary imposition of blanket tariffs hurts us all and there is a better way to negotiate and honour trade relationships.

The issues we face in the trade war transcend politics, and they certainly transcend borders. Whether in Burlington, Ont., or Burlington, Vt., the challenges to our economies are the same. We need to ensure we speak with a unified message — one that is clear, consistent and focused on the shared interests of our communities. If we speak with one voice, the message becomes stronger and we stand a better chance of influencing the policies that affect us all.

While national governments and international trade negotiations play a pivotal role, it’s important to remember that municipalities are not bystanders in this crisis. As Canada’s local governments, we bring the voice of our communities to national and international issues. We are uniquely positioned to be leaders in economic resilience. We know our communities, we know our businesses and we understand the needs of our residents. It is this knowledge that will be essential as we navigate this challenging period.

In the face of adversity, we must remember that our strength lies in our unity and our commitment to protecting the prosperity of all Canadians, one community at a time.

Elbows up!