Brampton launches national campaign to encourage municipalities across the country to adopt ‘Made in Canada’ approach
BRAMPTON, ON (March 3, 2025) – City of Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and Members of Council announced the City’s new Made in Canada procurement policy, demonstrating a firm commitment to supporting Canadian businesses in response to potential U.S. tariffs.
Trump is poised to implement a 25 percent tariff on all imports from Canada beginning Tuesday, alongside a 10 percent tax on energy resources.
The tariffs were initially scheduled to be implemented at the beginning of last month; however, they were postponed for Canada and Mexico at the last moment after both nations consented to Trump’s request to enhance their borders in order to combat the influx of illegal drugs and migrants.
Brown articulated that his strategy for retaliation is two-pronged, commencing with an examination of the city’s existing procurement, which he noted amounts to $1.9 billion with U.S. companies, followed by the obstruction of American firms from future contracts in favour of Canadian alternatives.
As part of this policy, the City will review all current contracts to explore any legal avenues to exit agreements with U.S.-owned companies and their subsidiaries. The City will also update its Purchasing Bylaw to prohibit U.S.-owned companies or their subsidiaries from participating in City of Brampton procurements on a go-forward basis for the duration of the U.S. tariffs.
Pledge your support – Made in Canada
Additionally, the City launched its campaign website encouraging municipalities across Canada to adopt a ‘Made in Canada’ Cities approach and seek public support for the initiative. The City of Brampton remains dedicated to fostering a strong local economy and advocating for Canadian businesses. This policy represents a proactive stance in standing up for Canadian interests in light of potential trade measures.
While Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton said, “Brampton stands firmly in support of Canadian businesses. If the U.S. imposes tariffs that harm our economy, we must take action. Our ‘Made in Canada’ procurement policy ensures we prioritize Canadian companies, invest in our local economy and encourage other municipalities to do the same.”
Gurpartap Singh Toor, Regional Councillor, Wards 9 & 10; Chair, Economic Development, City of Brampton added that the “Brampton is taking a leadership role in defending Canadian businesses and workers. By reviewing our contracts and implementing a procurement ban on U.S.-owned companies during the duration of these tariffs, we are sending a strong message: our economy comes first. We encourage other Canadian cities to join us in adopting a ‘Made in Canada’ approach to procurement.”
While Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; and Vice-Chair, Economic Development, City of Brampton; Board Member, Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) said, “In January, Brampton led the way as the first city to explore a ‘Made in Canada’ procurement policy. Now, we’re calling on municipalities across the country to do the same, encouraging them to sign our “We Are Team Canada” petition at BramptonForCanada.ca. Brampton and cities nationwide procure over $30 billion worth of goods and services. We will do our part to protect our workers, defend our businesses, and strengthen our economies. We are all on Team Canada.”
Paul Vicente, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Board Member, Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)added that the “Brampton is taking a bold stand to protect Canadian businesses and workers. Our ‘Made in Canada’ procurement policy is a necessary step to ensure that taxpayer dollars support our local economy. We are committed to working with other municipalities to strengthen this approach and build economic resilience across the country.”
In response to the potential implementation of Trump’s tax, Ottawa has indicated that it will impose retaliatory tariffs. This will commence with a 25 percent levy on $30 billion worth of U.S. products, followed by additional duties on another $125 billion in goods three weeks thereafter.
