Mayor Burton issues direction on town’s response to potential U.S.- Canada trade measures

In response to the significance of the economic impact from recent tariff measures proposed between the United States and Canada, Oakville Mayor Rob Burton issued a direction for the town’s Chief Administrative Office (CAO) to convene a cross-departmental staff Task Force. The new Task Force will assess, develop, and report on legally and financially viable municipal responses to trade and procurement. The Task Force will submit a final report on recommendations to Council for further direction and implementation.

The Task Force will lead an internal review to identify applicable contracts and determine the feasibility of shifting procurement from U.S. companies without violating existing domestic or international trade agreements or compromising fiscal responsibility.

Should tariffs be implemented, the Task Force will engage with impacted local businesses to understand expected financial impacts, including cost increases, export reductions, job losses, and identify business needs as well as available municipal, provincial and federal support measures and advocacy initiatives. A report summarizing findings and recommended municipal interventions will be presented to Council.

As the Task Force works through its mandate, regular updates will be provided for Oakville businesses and residents, summarizing the municipal response and available resources.

Moving forward, the Task Force will also provide regular updates on trade-related impacts to Council.

For full details, visit the Mayoral Direction page.

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"As your mayor, I will always act to protect our community. My mayoral direction is to ensure the town is prepared for whatever may come if these measures move forward."

– Mayor Rob Burton