Brampton businesses offer on-the-ground perspectives to shape City’s next steps
BRAMPTON, ON (April 9, 2025) – Yesterday, Mayor Patrick Brown hosted the inaugural Tariff Task Force, bringing together industry leaders and local businesses to assess the economic impact of U.S. tariffs on Brampton’s key sectors and supply chains.
Mayor Patrick Brown hosts the inaugural meeting of the Mayor’s Tariff Task Force, joined by Brampton business leaders and City officials to discuss the local impact of U.S. tariffs and explore strategies for economic resilience. Credit: the City of Brampton
The roundtable brought together representatives from several of Brampton’s leading employers and industry players, including 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. Their participation reflects the serious impact of U.S. tariffs on Brampton’s economy and the collective interest in shaping effective, long-term solutions.
The meeting served as a critical forum to gather insights, identify sector-specific challenges and inform Brampton’s ongoing response to U.S. tariffs. The discussion will help guide the City’s economic resilience efforts, including the development of an action plan to be presented to Council at a later date. This event builds on Brampton’s proactive leadership, including the launch of the Stand for Canada campaign, the adoption of a Made in Canada procurement policy and continued advocacy at all levels of government.
Topics addressed at the roundtable reflected the wide-reaching effects of U.S. tariffs on Brampton’s economy. Local businesses raised significant concerns around policy barriers, disrupted supply chains and the rising cost of materials and shipping. Discussions also touched on sector-specific challenges in automotive, aluminum and healthcare manufacturing, and the growing difficulty in maintaining competitiveness under the current USMCA framework.
Participants shared that current federal and provincial processes, such as lengthy tariff remission approvals and unclear eligibility requirements for procurement, are limiting their ability to adapt. Several also highlighted the need for faster and more flexible support programs, improved access to global markets and resources, and immediate action to protect local jobs and investment.
Businesses also raised the importance of improving overall competitiveness for Canadian companies by cutting red tape and streamlining government processes. Several noted Brampton’s strength in logistics as a key advantage in accessing global markets. There was a strong call to diversify trade beyond the U.S. and build more resilient supply chains by focusing on Ontario-based suppliers. Many also spoke to the ongoing shortage of skilled trades and the critical role immigration plays in addressing current and future labour market needs.
These insights will help inform updates to Brampton’s Economic Resilience Plan and guide advocacy efforts focused on reducing red tape, streamlining procurement, and providing relief to impacted sectors.
City of Brampton’s Economic Development Office’s Tariff Resource Hub
The City remains committed to supporting local businesses and advocating for fair trade. We continue to engage with all levels of government to assess potential impacts and explore mitigation strategies. Our Economic Development Office also provides resources to help businesses navigate evolving trade conditions, including the Tariff Resource Hub at
investbrampton.ca/tariffs.
Brampton: Leading the way with Stand for Canada
Brampton is also leading a nationwide movement to support the Canadian economy. The City continues to support the Made in Canada policy by reviewing contracts for legal avenues to exit agreements with U.S.-owned companies and updating the Purchasing Bylaw to restrict U.S.-owned companies from future procurements while U.S. tariffs remain in effect. We encourage local governments, businesses and residents across Canada to take the pledge at
https://stand4canada.ca/.
Quotes
“Brampton will always stand up for our businesses, our workers and our economy. 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 Tariff Task Force, we are putting Brampton businesses first. Today’s roundtable gave us valuable insight that will help shape smarter strategies and strengthen our advocacy at all levels of government.” - Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
“Our businesses are facing tough choices due to external pressures that are beyond their control. The Tariff Task Force is giving them a seat at the table, where their voices can help drive change. We're committed to supporting economic resilience in Brampton through proactive policies, open dialogue and stronger local partnerships. This roundtable was a key step forward.” - Gurpartap Singh Toor, Regional Councillor, Wards 9 & 10; Chair, Economic Development, City of Brampton
“Fair trade and economic justice are not just national issues; they have real local consequences. As a member of the Board of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, I can attest that Brampton is a leading voice in the fight to protect jobs. We are working together with our local business community to build a resilient economy that is inclusive, sustainable and Canadian-made.” - Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Vice-Chair, Economic Development, City of Brampton; Board Member, Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
“Our goal is to provide Brampton businesses with the tools, resources and connections they need to succeed, even in challenging economic conditions. Through our Tariff Resource Hub, investment attraction initiatives and direct support to local companies, we're focused on helping businesses navigate uncertainty and identify new opportunities for growth. The insights shared today will help guide that work.” - Denise McClure, Director, Economic Development, City of Brampton
“As President of Unifor Local 1285 in Brampton, I represent over 8,000 workers across multiple sectors, with the majority from the Stellantis Brampton Assembly Plant and its part suppliers. These are our jobs and they have supported families in this city for more than 100 years. When it comes to protecting the Brampton Assembly Plant and our suppliers, we will do whatever it takes. I am honoured to be part of the Mayor’s Tariff Task Force and look forward to working together through a Stand for Canada approach to protect our workers, families and communities.” - Vito Beato, President Unifor Local 1285
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As one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, Brampton is home to nearly 800,000 people and more than 100,000 businesses. People are at the heart of everything we do. We are energized by our diverse communities, we attract investment and we are embarking on a journey to lead technological and environmental innovation. We partner for progress to build a healthy city that is safe, sustainable and successful. Connect with us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Learn more at brampton.ca
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