Toronto Unveils 10-Point Plan to Counter U.S. Tariffs, Prioritizing Canadian Businesses

Toronto is taking decisive action against U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war by implementing a 10-point strategy to protect Canadian businesses and workers. Announced by Mayor Olivia Chow on Monday, the plan includes measures such as prioritizing local suppliers, offering industrial tax relief, and launching a “Love Local” campaign to encourage the purchase of Canadian-made products.

“Canada is facing a senseless, harmful trade war. People are feeling anxious about their jobs, the cost of food, and the cost of living,” Chow said, emphasizing the urgency of the response. The city has been working closely with federal and provincial governments to develop a unified strategy against U.S. protectionism.

Key measures in Toronto’s plan include tax deferrals for industrial property owners impacted by tariffs, allowing them to postpone payments between June 1 and November 30 without penalties or interest. The city estimates this program will cost between $300,000 and $750,000. Additionally, American suppliers may be barred from bidding on municipal contracts, with new projects under $353,000 for goods and services and $8.8 million for construction reserved exclusively for Canadian businesses.

Toronto Fire Services is also making a symbolic shift by canceling its contract with a U.S. manufacturer and instead purchasing 17 fire trucks from a Canadian supplier. Chow stated that the plan will be reviewed by the executive committee on Wednesday and put before the full council the following week. “We will stand united as proud Canadians, and Toronto will emerge stronger than ever,” she declared.

Toronto’s response is part of a broader wave of provincial and municipal actions aimed at countering U.S. tariffs. Ontario has banned American companies from bidding on public contracts, and Premier Doug Ford recently paused a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to three U.S. states. Meanwhile, cities like Vaughan and Mississauga have revised procurement policies to favor Canadian and non-U.S. suppliers. In a further symbolic move, Mississauga, Barrie, and West Lincoln Township have begun removing U.S. flags from city-owned properties.

With Trump threatening a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports and trade tensions escalating, Toronto’s bold strategy signals a strong commitment to economic self-reliance while reinforcing national unity in the face of American pressure.