Staff are examining ways to support jobs while awaiting federal or provincial tariff relief
Today, in light of unfair trade tariffs, Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish met with the President and CEO of the Mississauga Board of Trade David Wojcik, the City’s Acting Chief Administrative Officer, and the Director of Economic Development to map out ways the City can advocate for and support small and medium-sized businesses and jobs disrupted by uncertainty.
The suspension of trade negotiations and escalation of US tariff policies against Canada present a significant and ongoing threat to Mississauga’s businesses and workers.
Mississauga’s economy is particularly vulnerable to US tariffs: 18 per cent of total employment – roughly 89,000 jobs – is tied directly to US exports. Key areas affected include automotive parts, machinery and electronics, plastics and rubber, furniture, and steel and aluminum products.
As a City, we are determined to stand up and defend these jobs and sectors. We are encouraged that the federal government today is rolling out rapid assistance to workers and businesses hit by this latest trade and economic turbulence.
These troubling trade developments imperil jobs and risk a spike in inflation. That is why we are exploring ways in which to help our local businesses.
Additionally, before today’s federal announcement, staff have already applied for $1.5 million in funding under the federal Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI). Securing this funding would help us deliver a trade mission acceleration program designed to help Mississauga’s small and medium-sized businesses diversify into non-US markets through export readiness training and trade missions.
It is clear that we must diversify our international trade partnerships. Mississauga has always been open to the world. That openness will facilitate an expansion of productive and solid international partnerships.
The City’s Partners in Trade roundtable will be consulted for further input from members on this critical, developing issue.
Quotes
“I am committed to helping the most badly affected small and medium-sized businesses. While we do not have a full picture of the needs that exist, and the full extent of the tariff damage has yet to emerge, I stand ready to do all I can to keep Mississauga’s economy strong.” – Carolyn Parrish, Mayor of Mississauga
