Hamilton Unveils New Plan to Tackle Tariff Challenges

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The mayor of Hamilton, Andrea Horwath, has shared a set of seven commitments aimed at shielding residents from the effects of U. S. tariffs on Canadian products.

Speaking on Monday near the large blue Lake Ontario sign that the Ontario government placed at Fifty Point Conservation Area, Horwath introduced what she refers to as the “Head of Lake Ontario Plan.”

The plan includes:

Committing to keep property tax increases lower than inflation. Cutting red tape by appointing a local business support officer at city hall who can assist businesses in accessing government support programs. Creating options for deferring taxes and fees during emergencies so that a city bill is “never the reason” a business shuts down or a family “falls behind.”Bringing together business, labor, manufacturers, and other economic leaders to identify issues and collaborate on protecting jobs in Hamilton. Adjusting Hamilton’s procurement strategy to prioritize purchasing local goods and services “whenever possible.”Being “relentless” in advocating for federal and provincial assistance for Hamilton, along with ensuring Hamilton receives its “fair share” of counter-tariff funds. Furthermore, Horwath mentioned she would advocate for “first-port-of-entry-status” for the Port of Hamilton, which would enable it to directly receive more goods. Utilizing the $572 million that Hamilton received from both federal and provincial governments to develop housing projects, create jobs, and offer opportunities in skilled trades and apprenticeships.

“The future of Hamilton is for us to decide, protect and build,” Horwath remarked, noting that while she can’t control actions taken by U. S. President Donald Trump, she can guide how the city responds.

For nearly two years now, Canada and the U. S. have been involved in escalating trade disputes resulting in U. S. tariffs affecting over $28 billion worth of Canadian products. In Hamilton’s vicinity, local businesses and labor leaders-including those from steel and wine industries-have raised concerns about potential local consequences.

Horwath informed reporters that she doesn’t have exact figures detailing how recent trade decisions have impacted Hamilton.

“We don’t have a huge problem right now with unemployment,” she stated; however, some sectors are more vulnerable than others.

“Behind every shift cut, every order cancelled and every investment put on hold, there is a person wondering what comes next,” Horwath expressed. “A worker wondering if their job is safe. A small business owner wondering how long they can hold on. A family wondering what they’ll have to give up next if things get worse. This plan is for them.”

The Premier’s office told CBC that it cost $25,000 to print and install a sign at Fifty Point Conservation Area stating “Lake Ontario now and always.” (Justin Chandler/CBC)

Running for re-election in the municipal election scheduled for October 26th, Horwath stated her plan will begin immediately. She plans to propose a motion next week to “get things rolling,” adding that certain actions-like changes in procurement policy-have already started.

The name “Head of Lake Ontario” comes from an old term used for the city; Horwath highlighted its significance through references made by the Head-of-the-Lake Historical Society.

The sign where Horwath spoke was put up after Trump attempted to rename the lake as “Lake America.”

CBC reported that it cost $25,000 from taxpayer money for printing and erecting this sign.

Other candidates running for mayor have also presented their own plans addressing tariff impacts along with trade uncertainties.

CBC Hamilton reached out to all candidates regarding their thoughts on Horwath’s plan Monday. Here’s some feedback they provided listed alphabetically by last name:

Sasha Austin, who works in social services said her strategy involves emergency grants as well as low-interest loans aimed at affected sectors. Austin mentioned partnering with colleges and employment centers focused on retraining individuals losing jobs while supporting initiatives encouraging local purchases alongside lobbying other governments for exemptions or funding. Ejaz Butt-a seasoned leader within taxi services-noted he doesn’t make empty promises while questioning why Horwath failed during her previous four years in office. He encouraged people curious about him looking him up using Grok artificial intelligence chatbot. Rob Cooper-the current councillor representing Ward 8-observed many commitments made by Mayor closely mirror his platform values: “I welcome the Mayor adopting these priorities but believe residents should question why these commitments surfaced only weeks before elections,” he argued mentioning keeping taxes reasonable while collaborating across different government levels secured investments. Paul Fromm has past associations with white supremacist movements but noted several businesses claim Mayor hasn’t sufficiently reduced bureaucratic hurdles: “I agree we should limit property tax hikes but that hasn’t occurred,” he added. Scarlott Gillespie-an advocate focusing on sex work/housing rights stated “U. S tariffs don’t impact most residents financially” suggesting some opponents might exploit “economic hardships purely seeking votes.” Gillespie expressed intentions centered around helping manufacturing workers while emphasizing leveraging municipal purchasing power towards supporting suppliers locally asserting tax deferrals “often become permanent” risking financial stability. Erin Janus-a musician/youtuber/filmmaker criticized rising taxes during Hornthwaite’s tenure deeming her promise laughable regarding rates staying below inflation sharing plans related minimizing taxation alongside fostering local economies through zero-interest temporary grants directed toward small businesses harmed due tariffs adding rapid-response teams assisting laid-off staff connecting them back into employment/services supports keeping deferment options open too. Keanin Loomis-the president & CEO representing Canadian Institute Steel Construction introduced his own tariff response strategies back September 14 targeting prioritizing regional purchasing promoting collaboration within steel sector spearheading ‘buy Canadian’ campaigns including exploring tax deferments aiding qualifying firms facing tariff struggles establishing services guiding affected enterprises navigating relief measures/procurement/investment pathways.
Candidates David Mark Cherkewski , David Harrison , Pamela Mitchell , Kevin Walker & Nathalie Xian Yi Yan didn’t reply prior publication.

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