MARKHAM , ON – Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) met in Markham on Thursday, April 10th and Friday, April 11th to talk about how tariffs are affecting their local economies and communities. OBCM passed a motion unanimously that calls on both provincial and federal governments for help in dealing with the effects of tariffs on municipalities, which includes:
Removing barriers that stop municipalities from prioritizing Canadian companies and services for capital projects and procurement, as well as getting rid of interprovincial trade barriers Creating a detailed strategy to fast track infrastructure projects and investments in housing, including social housing with support services. This would help municipalities manage unintended consequences like rising procurement costs Involving municipalities in discussions on the Council on Canada-U. S. Relations and developing programs to tackle the impacts of tariffs so we can share insights into municipal effects and possible solutions.
This motion includes examples of priority projects from each municipality where stimulus funding could positively influence local economies if prioritized.
During their meeting on Friday, Premier Doug Ford joined Ontario’s Big City Mayors to discuss tariffs and what his government is doing to mitigate potential economic impacts for businesses and communities across Ontario. Both the Premier and the mayors agree that collaboration is essential during these tough times, reinforcing OBCM’s commitment to work closely with the newly elected provincial government as well as the upcoming federal government.
On Friday, OBCM also organized a roundtable discussion focusing on tariffs, trade, and how these global matters affect their municipalities. They welcomed officials from other municipalities working on tariff issues from both sides of the border, including Mayor Austin Bonta from Portage, Indiana who collaborates with several OBCM Mayors through the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative; David Paterson, Ontario’s Representative in Washington D. C.; along with representatives from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).
Throughout this two-day event hosted by Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, several provincial Ministers and local MPPs were present. This included an opportunity to hear from Honourable Rob Flack – Ontario’s new Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
OBCM also welcomed:
The Honourable Michael Kerzner – Solicitor General of Ontario (addressed attendees) The Honourable Michael Tibollo – Associate Attorney General (addressed attendees) The Honourable Graydon Smith – Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, The Honourable Graham Mc Gregor – Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism Billy Pang – MPP Markham-Unionville and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education Logan Kanapathi – MPP for Markham-Thornhill and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Red Tape Reduction Daisy Wai – MPP for Richmond Hill and Parliamentary Assistant to both the Minister of Citizenship & Multiculturalism along with the Minister for Seniors & Accessibility
“Ontario’s Big City Mayors are at the forefront facing some serious challenges in our province-from global tariff impacts to urgent needs for housing and infrastructure investments,” said Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Chair of Ontario’s Big City Mayors. “We appreciate Premier Ford and his Ministers joining us today to listen, collaborate, and commit towards finding solutions together. We believe it’s vital that all levels of government team up to protect our local economies while keeping our communities strong, resilient, and ready for growth.”
During their meeting, mayors also approved two additional motions:
First is a request for Ontario to enhance its judicial capacity by increasing Crown attorneys as well as court staff so case backlogs can be prevented; additionally requesting that Ministry officials review disclosure timelines. It’s crucial we balance R. v. Jordan principles against complex case realities without unnecessary delays occurring; thus exploring technology-driven methods could really assist here. Second is urging Federal Government officials reconsider winding down Interim Housing Assistance Program while continuing support for municipalities covering full shelter costs related to refugees or asylum seekers; also asking them expand definitions under “asylum claimant” eligible for IHAP funded services covering those who’ve started refugee claims but haven’t completed them yet or arrived intending to make claims while preparing.
You can find all motions listed on our website here – https://www. ontariobigcitymayors. ca/reports-submissions/
About Ontario’s Big City Mayors
Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) is a non-partisan group comprising mayors from 29 single-tier or lower-tier cities having populations over 100k-collectively representing nearly 70% percent share among Ontarians population wise-advocating key policies impacting largest cities within province.
Media Contacts
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward , Chair Michelle Baker , Executive Director
chair@obcm. ca michelle@obcm. ca
905-335-7777 647-308-6602
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