Tariff Response

Oshawa has an important role to play as part of a booming and secure North American economy. We stand united at the ready with partners across Canada as we work together to overcome this challenge that will impact our local, provincial and national economies. 

As a city we must continue to diversify and strengthen our economy. This is a time for composure and a strategic fact-based approach, with businesses and consumers being vital to our economy.

How is the City of Oshawa helping?

• Advocacy: We understand the complexities of the proposed tariffs and are committed to working with all levels of government to advocate for the protection of local jobs and the economic well-being of our city and our entire nation. 
• Interprovincial Trade: Support provincial and federal government efforts to reduce interprovincial trade barriers to help strengthen our national economy and resilience. 
• Trade Diversification: Encouraging policies that expand Canada’s global trade relationships, reducing over-reliance on any single market and working in partnership with the Durham Economic Task Force (D.E.T.F.) to showcase Durham-based manufacturers and establish connection to new markets.
• Local Business Support: Provide resources, guidance, and connections to support promotion of a competitive business environment and deepen our local economic strength. Visit the D.E.T.F. Tariff Resource Hub that shares information for businesses and consumers including supports and funding, education and the Canada Tariff Finder.
• Business Engagement: Mayor Carter, with support of the City’s Business and Economic Development Services team, meet with local businesses to understand their unique challenges and impacts on operations, suppliers and customers to inform strategic advocacy approaches. Select the button below to request a site visit with Mayor Carter and Councillor Marimpietri, and a member of Oshawa Economic Development will be in touch with you within one (1) business day.

Request a site visit with Mayor Carter and Councillor Marimpietri

Statements from Mayor Carter

• City of Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter's Statement (March 5, 2025)
• City of Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter's Statement (February 19, 2025)

Resources

• Ontario Together Trade Fund
• The Protect Ontario through Free Trade Within Canada Act, 2025
• Ontario Taking Action to Protect Workers Amid Economic Uncertainty
• Support for Canadian exporters faced with U.S. tariffs
• Government of Canada’s response to U.S. tariffs 
• Government of Canada support for Canadian businesses
• City of Oshawa Local Business Guide
• Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce
• Oshawa Tourism
• Downtowns of Durham

The City is committed to supporting our impacted businesses that contribute to the vitality of our local economy. We will work with the federal, provincial and regional governments and alongside our local businesses and leaders to find ways to address the tariffs.

To further support our community, the City’s Economic Development Team is available to assist local businesses with expert guidance and tools, including dedicated tariff response tools. 

View real-time Oshawa economic indicators, socio-economic and demographic data now

For up-to-date information on development, statistics, business news and more, visit oshawa.ca/InvestOshawa or contact [email protected].