Tariff Response

The following statement has been issued on behalf of Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter regarding the recent breakdown in Canada-U.S. trade negotiations and the implementation of new tariffs on Canadian goods.

“The City of Oshawa is disappointed by the breakdown in trade negotiations between Canada and the United States and the resulting tariffs now being imposed on Canadian goods. These measures create uncertainty for businesses, workers and families on both sides of the border and will be felt across industries that have long benefited from a strong and mutually beneficial trading relationship.

Oshawa is a city built by innovators, makers, entrepreneurs and skilled workers whose success has been strengthened through international free trade and integrated supply chains. While the current situation presents real challenges, it does not diminish the resilience, determination and competitiveness that have defined our community for generations.

The City of Oshawa stands firmly with our local businesses, manufacturers, exporters and workers who may be affected by these developments. We will continue to advocate alongside our municipal, provincial and federal partners for policies that protect Canadian jobs, strengthen economic competitiveness and support the long-term prosperity of our community.

Our Economic Development team remains actively engaged with local businesses to better understand the impacts on operations, investment decisions and employment. Those conversations will continue to inform our advocacy and ensure the concerns of Oshawa businesses are heard at every level of government.

This is a time for composure, collaboration and confidence in our strengths. Oshawa has navigated economic change before, and each time we have emerged stronger through innovation, adaptability and a shared commitment to one another. We will continue working to diversify our economy, attract new investment, expand market opportunities and support the businesses and workers who are the foundation of our community's success.

To those businesses, workers and families facing uncertainty today, know that your City stands with you. We will continue to advocate for your interests, support your success and work with partners across Canada to ensure Oshawa remains a strong, competitive and prosperous city for generations to come."

Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter has released the following statement in response to the United States imposing a 25% tariff on a number of Canadian goods:

Through Oshawa’s history, our great city has always risen to the occasion, even in divisive times. Now, we must unite to face new challenges and opportunities to further diversify and strengthen our economy.

Let’s focus on the facts. Canada is an exceptional place to do business. Our resilient economy, low tax environment and highly educated and competitive workforce make Canada and our city a prime destination for investment. Our community continues to attract major new investments as an ideal location for companies and their employees.

Despite our unique strengths and accomplishments as both a community and nation, we will still face significant challenges related to the new tariffs. As your Mayor, I am committed to addressing these issues and to sharing updates. The following measures are underway and continue to evolve:

• With support of the City’s Business and Economic Development Services team, I am continuing to meet with local businesses to understand their unique challenges and impacts on operations, suppliers and customers. Businesses are encouraged to request a site visit by completing our online form.
• Policy makers have identified interprovincial trade barriers as an area for reform that could significantly boost the economy. We look forward to advocating for those changes and the opportunities they could bring for Oshawa companies to access new domestic markets.
• I continue to advocate for our city’s interests through the Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) tariff working group, influencing policy and program decisions. Through policy development, advocacy, discussion and partnerships, we continue to support a strong and resilient city.
• While the United States has announced a 30 day exemption on auto vehicle tariffs for vehicles that comply with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement’s rules of origin, the City of Oshawa stands as a proud member of the Ontario Auto Mayors’ Caucus, collaborating at provincial and federal levels to promote awareness, advocacy and strategic policy initiatives that strengthen the Canadian economy through automotive sector advancements and investments. The Ontario Auto Mayors advocate for government incentives to ensure Canada remains competitive with other auto jurisdictions.
• Through our dedicated Tariff Response webpage, we provide resources to help you better understand the situation and prepare for its impact.

Oshawa’s spirit has always been one of generosity, resilience, kindness and compassion. Our city will continue this spirit with commitments to many infrastructure projects and public investments across our community in the coming years, and by committing to supporting our local businesses.

Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter has released the following statement in response to the United States proposed tariffs on Canadian exports:

The City of Oshawa has an important role in contributing to a thriving and secure North American economy. We understand the complexities of the proposed tariffs and are committed to working with all levels of government to advocate for the protection of local jobs and the economic well-being of our city and our entire nation.

Thousands of jobs in our community are linked to the export and import of goods produced by American manufacturers. These jobs span various sectors, such as advanced manufacturing, transportation, logistics, and retail, which highlight the critical role that international trade plays in sustaining our local economy. The movement of goods across borders not only supports employment but also fosters economic growth and development within our community.

While the City of Oshawa makes every attempt to engage Canadian suppliers, we acknowledge the complex nature of integrated supply chains. Integrated supply chains often involve multiple countries and regions, making it essential to balance local procurement with the realities of global trade. This approach ensures that our community remains competitive and resilient in an interconnected world.

As Mayor of Oshawa, I encourage everyone during this period of uncertainty to concentrate our efforts on advocacy in support of our community and business members, providing assistance through the means available to us such as supporting local businesses and their workers who are the backbone of our community.

We stand with partners across Canada as we work together to navigate this economic uncertainty affecting our local, provincial, and national economies. We are committed to our community and supporting businesses and employees that contribute to the vitality of our local economy across a multitude of sectors.

Oshawa is a resilient city. Resilience and perseverance have defined us for generations. Let’s continue to support our neighbours, colleagues and businesses and uphold our long-standing tradition of community pride and overcome this challenge together as a community and nation.

Business Resources and Support

The City’s Oshawa Economic Development Team is available to support the success of our local business community by offering expert guidance and tools to help our local businesses thrive, including dedicated tariff response tools. The City of Oshawa Economic Dashboard, provides real-time economic indicators, socio-economic and demographic data to investors and decision makers. Up-to-date information on development, statistics, business news and more is available at Oshawa.ca/InvestOshawa. Reach out to us at business@oshawa.ca.