GTA Mayors Mobilize as 50% U.S. Tariffs Loom

Mayors in the Greater Toronto Area are coordinating responses to protect local commerce after U.S. President Donald Trump announced 50% tariffs on a variety of Canadian exports, according to CBC Toronto.

As reported by CBC Toronto, the White House issued a fact sheet stating the tariffs will target products including cement, hockey sticks, and wine, with an effective date set for mid-August.

In response, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish, and Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown announced Tuesday that they will reconvene expert panels established during previous tariff disputes. Mayor Chow stated she will re-engage the city's "economic action team," a group of labour and business leaders. This team utilizes a 10-point action plan that focuses on encouraging residents to shop locally and adjusting city procurement practices to favor Canadian companies.

Mayor Parrish noted that Mississauga's economic development department will continue utilizing its partners-in-trade roundtable, which was formed in March 2025. Parrish emphasized that local businesses must diversify their markets to avoid relying solely on the U.S. as a trading partner.

Meanwhile, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown acknowledged that the tariffs will damage the Canada-U.S. trade relationship and hurt local communities. Brown noted that Brampton has already begun pivoting, with some companies shifting from auto parts production to the defence sector or expanding their work into the European Union.