Mayor Del Duca: Protecting Vaughan, Ontario and Canadian Businesses
Mayor Steven Del Duca issued the following statement after Vaughan Council unanimously endorsed his Member’s Resolution at the Feb. 5 Committee of the Whole (Working Session) which directs City of Vaughan staff to develop a procurement strategy to prioritize supporting Canadian-owned businesses in the wake of potential tariffs being imposed by the United States:
“In response to the recent threats around tariffs from the United States, I put forward a Member’s Resolution on Feb. 5 directing City of Vaughan staff to develop a procurement strategy that prioritizes buying Canadian products, goods and services. I want to thank my Council colleagues for unanimously endorsing this motion.
“City staff will be developing a comprehensive strategy that will position us to take immediate action if the tariffs are reintroduced.
“Supporting local businesses isn’t just about economics — it’s about standing up for local jobs, local industries and our national interests.
“Trade and investment between Canada and the United States support millions of jobs in communities in both countries, and help ensure the secure flow of goods and people across the border. This is vital to maintain and advance each of our present and future economic competitiveness and prosperity.
“Vaughan plays a critical role in helping maintain this prosperity with the city’s proximity to major transportation assets that support connectivity to key regional supply chains and access to talent.
“Vaughan continues to be the largest industrial market in York Region and the fourth largest industrial market in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area after Toronto, Mississauga and Brampton. From 2021 to 2023, employment in Vaughan increased by six per cent, adding more than 12,000 jobs, bringing the total employment to nearly 220,000 in 2023.
“The alarming, unprecedented and unpredictable policy statements by America’s president are a call to action for all levels of government – including municipalities – to take urgent action to identify solutions to protect local, Ontario and Canadian businesses.
“We need to help ensure the business of government continues efficiently and effectively, and minimize the impact to the public’s quality of life should tariffs be levied against Canada and its provinces and communities.
“As Mayor, I am committed to doing everything in my power to stand up for Vaughan businesses and to safeguard our economic future.”
QUICK FACTS
- On Feb. 5, 2025, Mayor Del Duca introduced a Member’s Resolution (PDF) during the Committee of the Whole (Working Session) directing staff to report back to the Committee of the Whole (1) meeting on Tuesday, March 4 on a procurement strategy to prioritize buying Canadian in the wake of potential tariffs by the United States.
- The City’s Economic Development department is committed to helping local businesses navigate challenges brought on by the recent threat of United States tariffs. For more information, visit vaughanbusiness.ca/tariffs.
LEARN MORE
