In response to ongoing U.S. tariffs affecting key Canadian industries, Mayor Patrick Brown convened the inaugural meeting of the Mayor’s Tariff Task Force on April 8, bringing together Brampton’s top business leaders and industry stakeholders to chart a path forward for economic resilience and trade diversification.
The roundtable included representatives from Brampton’s leading employers: Magna, Dynacare, Canon Canada, Zochem, Italpasta, Handi Foods, Peel Plastics, Data Communications Management Corp. (DCM), Prologis, Brampton Board of Trade, Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing, TD Bank, Unifor Local 1285, Adamas International, Scooty, and Giampaolo Group Inc.
“Brampton will always stand up for our businesses, our workers, and our economy,” said Mayor Patrick Brown. “U.S. tariffs are placing real strain on our local industries, and we are taking decisive action to respond. From our Made in Canada policy to this new task force, we’re putting Brampton businesses first.”
The task force offered a critical platform for businesses to share real-time impacts and shape local responses. Topics included:
- Disrupted supply chains and rising material and shipping costs
- Sector-specific impacts in automotive, aluminum, and healthcare manufacturing
- Challenges navigating federal and provincial support and tariff remission processes
- The importance of diversifying trade beyond the U.S. and strengthening Ontario-based supply chains
- Skilled trades shortages and the need for sustained immigration pathways
The insights from this roundtable will inform updates to Brampton’s Economic Resilience Plan and future advocacy efforts focused on red tape reduction, streamlined procurement, and direct support to impacted sectors.
“The Tariff Task Force gives our business community a strong voice and a seat at the table,” said Regional Councillor Gurpartap Singh Toor, Chair of Economic Development. “We’re committed to advancing real solutions through open dialogue, local leadership, and action.”
The Tariff Task Force is part of a broader suite of actions by the City of Brampton to protect local jobs and investment, including:
- A Made in Canada procurement policy
- The Stand for Canada campaign encouraging municipalities and businesses nationwide to prioritize Canadian suppliers
- The creation of a Tariff Resource Hub to support Brampton businesses through evolving trade conditions
- Ongoing collaboration with federal and provincial governments on trade mitigation strategies
“Fair trade is a local issue with national consequences,” said Councillor Rowena Santos, Vice-Chair of Economic Development and FCM Board Member. “Brampton continues to lead the charge in building a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive economy rooted in Canadian values.”
The City’s Economic Development Office continues to offer a Tariff Resource Hub, available at investbrampton.ca/tariffs, to help local companies adapt, explore global opportunities, and reduce dependency on U.S.-based supply chains.
“We’re providing Brampton businesses with the tools and insights they need to grow — even during challenging times,” said Denise McClure, Director of Economic Development. “The feedback from this roundtable is invaluable to our support strategies.”
“These jobs have supported Brampton families for over 100 years,” said Vito Beato, President of Unifor Local 1285. “As a proud member of this task force, I will work to ensure the Brampton Assembly Plant and our suppliers are protected. Together, we will Stand for Canada.”