Durham Region mayors are presenting a united front as the latest round of U.S. tariffs raises new concerns for local businesses, manufacturers and workers.
The Durham tariff response includes public statements from the mayors of Ajax, Oshawa, Whitby and Clarington, each backing Canadian businesses while calling for coordinated action from municipal, provincial and federal governments.
The latest escalation follows the United States imposing 50 per cent tariffs on $27.6 billion worth of Canadian goods effective Aug. 22. Canada has announced matching counter-tariffs that will take effect Sept. 8, with rates of 15, 25 and 50 per cent on selected U.S. products.
Ajax points to Buy Canadian purchasing
Ajax Mayor Shaun Collier said the continuing trade dispute is creating uncertainty, rising costs and anxiety for local businesses.
The Town of Ajax says it is focusing on measures within municipal control, including its Buy Canadian approach. According to Collier’s Aug. 25 statement, 98 per cent of Town purchase orders are sourced from Canadian businesses.
Ajax is also applying for Ontario’s Trade-Impacted Communities grant and has been meeting businesses expected to be affected by the escalating trade dispute to better understand their challenges.
Oshawa says manufacturers and workers need support
Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter said the breakdown in Canada-U.S. trade negotiations is deeply disappointing and creates uncertainty for businesses, workers and families.
Carter said Oshawa’s economy has long benefited from international trade and integrated supply chains, making the issue especially important for a city with major manufacturing and export activity.
The City says its Economic Development team is speaking directly with local companies about effects on operations, employment and investment decisions. Carter said those discussions will help guide Oshawa’s advocacy with senior levels of government.
The Durham tariff response follows earlier concern about how escalating trade measures could affect Oshawa’s manufacturing sector, including businesses connected to the auto industry.
Whitby continues tariff task force work
Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy said the new U.S. tariffs create significant uncertainty, disrupt supply chains and put Canadian jobs at risk.
Whitby established a Mayor’s Tariff Task Force in early 2025 to bring municipal staff and local businesses together to identify local responses.
The Town says it has since amended procurement bylaws to prioritize Canadian goods and services and has introduced restrictions preventing U.S. businesses from bidding on certain municipal contracts.
Roy is also encouraging residents to support local and Canadian companies while the trade dispute continues.
Clarington planning business roundtable
Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster has described the latest tariffs as unjustified and senseless and says the municipality stands with its business community.
Foster is working with municipal staff and the Clarington Board of Trade on a roundtable intended to gather direct feedback from local businesses about tariff impacts and the types of support they need.
Clarington has also promoted its local Vendor Directory as a way to connect businesses with municipal opportunities and encourage more local purchasing.
Canada preparing counter-tariffs
The federal government says its Sept. 8 countermeasures will match the latest U.S. tariffs dollar for dollar and cover $27.6 billion in American imports. Targeted sectors include steel and aluminum, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, plastics and electronics.
Ottawa has also announced a $7.5-billion package of new and expanded support for Canadian workers and businesses affected by tariffs.
For Durham’s mayors, the message is increasingly local: support Canadian businesses, protect jobs and keep municipal economic-development teams engaged as the trade dispute evolves.
