The Durham Economic Task Force is meeting regularly again as regional partners assess how continuing trade uncertainty is affecting businesses and workers.
In an October 20 update, Durham Region described the task force’s role in sharing information, identifying business challenges and connecting employers with support. The update also outlined how the Region is approaching its own purchases and encouraging residents to spend locally.
Regional partners share business concerns
The task force was first established during the COVID-19 pandemic and reconvened when U.S. tariffs were introduced in early 2025. Its membership includes Invest Durham, municipal economic-development teams, chambers of commerce and boards of trade, post-secondary institutions, innovation hubs, employment services and Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.
Commissioner Sandra Austin said that bringing those partners together helps the Region hear about conditions across Durham and coordinate its response. The announcement describes an existing partnership’s continuing work, not the creation of a new agency or the approval of a new funding package.
Purchasing choices and available information
The Region says departments are prioritizing Ontario and Canadian suppliers where possible and reducing reliance on U.S.-based products. It did not announce a new numerical purchasing target or report the value of contracts shifted to domestic suppliers in this update.
Businesses seeking information are directed to Invest Durham’s tariff-response resources, which bring together trade updates, business tools and links to federal and provincial support. Accessing that information is not a guarantee that an individual company qualifies for funding.
A local role for residents
The update also encourages shopping, dining and recreation within Durham as ways to support local jobs. Durham Tourism’s local-shopping and food resources are identified as starting points for residents looking for nearby businesses and experiences.
The Durham Economic Task Force’s current coordination is region-wide. It is distinct from earlier statements by individual mayors and municipal purchasing measures, although those efforts address the same wider trade challenges.
Source
Region of Durham: Supporting local in a changing economy, October 20, 2026
