Mayor's Statement on Proposed U.S. Tariffs: Oshawa’s resilience and commitment to community support

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 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 [email protected].