As Canada enters a trade war with the U.S., Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek is sharing how the city is preparing for its impact.
Gondek put out a blog post shortly before America’s tariff deadline to share how the city plan to deal with the incoming tariffs.
The mayor says it’s a serious challenge but also an opportunity to show resilience.
“Industries that define our city – oil, agriculture, manufacturing, and small business – will feel the impact first, but ultimately, every Calgarian will experience the effects through rising costs and economic uncertainty,” said Gondek in the post.
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The U.S. has put a 10 per cent levy on all energy products and 25 percent tax on all other Canadian goods heading into the U.S.
Canada immediately responded with tariffs on $30 billion worth of U.S. goods and plans to add more tariffs on the remaining $125 billion worth of American products 21 days later.
Gondek says city council will now get monthly updates on the situation.
The newly formed Mayor’s Tariff Advisory Group, formed in partnership with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and Calgary Economic Development, will also help to steer the city’s response.
Gondek says the city will look to support businesses, boost internal trade and try to procure as many Canadian-made goods as possible.
“The imposition of these tariffs is a test of our city’s economic strength, but Calgary is not waiting for the storm to pass – we are preparing to navigate it head-on,” she said.
“With decisive action, strong partnerships, and forward-thinking strategy, we will ensure Calgary remains a leader in economic resilience, innovation, and global trade.”
According to the Conference Board of Canada, Calgary would be the second-hardest hit city by tariffs, considering its reliance on trade with the U.S. for its energy exports.
In last week’s provincial budget, Alberta’s finance minister laid out three tariff scenarios.
If the current numbers remain in place, it would be considered the worst-case scenario.
The budget predicts it could push our province’s deficit closer to $9 billion, with 15,000 projected job losses this year and 41,000 by 2027.
$4B contingency
On Tuesday afternoon, the mayor shared a letter she sent to Premier Danielle Smith, calling on the province to use some of its $4 billion contingency fund to help protect local businesses and workers.
“Proper, proactive tariff proofing is needed to support Albertans from the economic threat of tariffs,” Gondek said in the letter.
“Using some of the $4 billion contingency would be key to cushioning the immediate effects on our local businesses and industries and preventing long-term repercussions for our residents.”
In the letter, dated March 3, Gondek requested a meeting with the premier to discuss the effects of tariffs.
U.S. tariffs are an economic threat to Alberta. I’ve called on the Premier to take action, using the $4B contingency to protect local businesses & workers. Other provinces are stepping up — it’s time for Alberta to do the same. pic.twitter.com/F17SAvvq7R
— Jyoti Gondek (@JyotiGondek) March 4, 2025
In a statement Tuesday, Smith said the tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump are an “unjustifiable economic attack on Canadians and Albertans.”
“These tariffs will hurt the American people, driving up costs for fuel, food, vehicles, housing, and many other products,” Smith said.
“They will also cost hundreds of thousands of American and Canadian jobs. This policy is both foolish and a failure in every regard.”
The premier said she fully supports the federal response to the tariffs announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Smith is scheduled to hold a press conference on Wednesday to provide an update on the province’s response to the U.S. tariffs.
