Ontario Construction News staff writer
Mayors throughout Waterloo Region are encouraging residents and businesses to back local and Canadian firms as the recent Canada-U. S. trade conflict raises concerns for manufacturers, exporters, and families.
The comments from the mayors of Kitchener, Cambridge, and Waterloo follow the collapse of Canada-U. S. trade talks and the introduction of new U. S. tariffs.
Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic announced on Aug. 25 that the City of Kitchener is bringing back its Tariff and Trade Task Force, which was first set up in 2025 to address earlier tariff threats.
“For Kitchener, this is particularly challenging,” Vrbanovic said. “Our local manufacturing economy is closely tied to continental supply chains and export markets. When tariffs interfere with those connections, it impacts local employers, workers, and families.”
Vrbanovic mentioned that the revived task force will expand on efforts made last year, such as enhancing Buy Canadian and Buy Local procurement practices, collaborating with suppliers to find Canadian alternatives, engaging with businesses affected by trade issues, supporting import substitution efforts, and launching a Support Local campaign in partnership with community members and businesses.
“Now we must go further,” Vrbanovic stated.
The task force will explore more ways to strengthen local and Canadian procurement practices, support impacted businesses and workers, identify industries at risk for government advocacy efforts, and assist companies in diversifying into both Canadian and international markets.
Kitchener will also collaborate with other governmental bodies and business groups like Waterloo Region Economic Development to push for meaningful support.
“The breakdown of Canada-U. S. trade negotiations along with the imposition of new tariffs represents a serious escalation in an economic conflict where neither country ultimately benefits,” Vrbanovic remarked.
He added that while Canada should remain open to discussions, it shouldn’t agree to any deal that undermines its economic interests or sovereignty.
Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett also spoke about the trade situation in a message to residents on Aug. 31, noting that this isn’t the first time Canadians have dealt with trade uncertainty involving the United States.
“This is not the first time that Canadians have been impacted by trade disagreements with the United States,” Liggett said. “Since the early 1900s, Canadians have faced challenges when negotiating trade deals with our neighbors to the south. History teaches us that we will overcome this too.”
Liggett shared she has heard worries from businesses and families in Cambridge and intends to advocate for them at higher levels of government.
“While this is a tough time, it’s also a chance to strengthen our economy by supporting local businesses, diversifying our trading relationships, and coming together as Canadians,” she noted.
Waterloo Mayor Dorothy Mc Cabe released a statement on Sept. 1 on behalf of herself and Waterloo city council expressing gratitude towards the prime minister and federal government for their ongoing work toward securing a trade agreement.
“We support the idea that no deal is better than a bad deal – especially one that could have long-term consequences,” Mc Cabe said. “Even if there’s a change in U. S. leadership, trade won’t revert back to how it used to be.”
Mc Cabe pointed out initiatives already happening in Waterloo aimed at bolstering the local economy while reducing reliance on U. S. markets; this includes a recent $600,000 city investment aimed at boosting an export-ready health technology sector expected to generate local jobs.
She also emphasized partnerships meant to enhance regional innovation along with economic resilience.
“We urge all cities, provinces, and residents across Canada to keep buying Canadian products,” Mc Cabe encouraged.
Narrowing down locally, W aterloo continues its Support Local campaign which promotes nearby businesses while urging residents’ backing for them.
“Small daily choices can make a big difference,” Mc Cabe stated.
The remarks from these three mayors come as companies throughout Waterloo Region navigate shifting tariffs alongside evolving supply chain conditions.
The region’s constructionand manufacturing sectors could face ramifications beyond those firms directly exportingto th e United States since tariffs might influence suppliers, costs of materials , and interconnected North American supply chains.
The mayors are highlighting local procurement, business diversification, and economic resilienceas vital componentsin howthe region responds tothe ongoingtrade unpredictability.
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