Local businesses dealing with supply chain disruptions and rising shipping costs, Brampton Tariff Task Force says

Local business leaders and politicians are working to ease the impact of U.S. tariffs on Brampton employers and residents.

The first meeting of Brampton’s Tariff Task Force was held on Monday and saw Mayor Patrick Brown and members of city council meet with leading employers and industry players like Magna, Italpasta, Dynacare, Canon Canada, and many more.

From supply chain disruptions and rising shipping costs to “sector-specific” challenges in automotive, aluminum and healthcare manufacturing sectors, the task force heard Brampton businesses are finding it hard to compete under the current USMCA free trade deal and “the wide-reaching effects of U.S. tariffs on Brampton’s economy.”

“There was a strong call to diversify trade beyond the U.S. and build more resilient supply chains by focusing on Ontario-based suppliers,” the city says of the inaugural task force meeting. “Many also spoke to the ongoing shortage of skilled trades and the critical role immigration plays in addressing current and future labour market needs.”

But Brampton also has an advantage compared to other Canadian cities that might be feeling the sting from tariffs with a strong logistics sector.

RELATED: Ban on U.S. products and services imposed by Brampton

Businesses also called for improved competitiveness for Canadian companies by cutting red tape and streamlining government processes, and that “federal and provincial processes, such as lengthy tariff remission approvals and unclear eligibility requirements for procurement, are limiting their ability to adapt.”

Brown said the task force’s first meeting “gave us valuable insight that will help shape smarter strategies and strengthen our advocacy at all levels of government.”

“Brampton will always stand up for our businesses, our workers and our economy,” Brown said in a statement. “U.S. tariffs are placing real strain on our local industries, and we are taking decisive action to respond.”

The task force was formed in February to “ensure Brampton remains competitive” amid the trade war sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump that’s sent stock markets crashing and fractured the “long-standing friendship” between Canada and the U.S., Brown said.

Brampton’s Economic Development office is working with the task force on three main goals:

• City-to-city engagement aimed at “strengthening relationships” with U.S. municipalities and businesses “that share a vested interest in a fair, stable trade relationship”;
• Business outreach with U.S. companies in Brampton and “identifying new opportunities for local businesses.”
• Diversifying trade relationships to reduce “reliance” on U.S. markets.

Brampton has also launched a “Stand For Canada” campaign and says it will only deal with Canadian-based businesses following Trump’s flip-flopping tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum.

The city’s “procurement exclusion” of U.S. companies will lift “when all tariffs are lifted,” a spokesperson for Mayor Patrick Brown confirmed to INsauga.com.

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