‘Economic attack:’ Toronto mayor unveils plans to respond to U.S. tariffs

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says the city is ready to partner with other levels of government to protect jobs and support communities.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says that she has asked for a review of the city’s “procurement policies and contracts” in the wake of “senseless” tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump that she says amount to an “economic attack.”

Chow made the comment during a news conference at city hall where she unveiled the “initial steps” the city will take to respond to the tariffs.

That four-pronged plan includes a “shop local and buy Canadian initiative” as well as the establishment of an economic action team that would consist of business and labour leaders and advise the city government on “strategies to protect the sectors of the economy most at risk.”

The plan would also see Toronto City Manager Paul Johnson tasked with preparing a “Toronto Action Plan” that could, among other things, lead to retaliatory actions when it comes to city contracts.

Premier Doug Ford has already vowed to rip up a $100 million contract with Elon Musk’s company Starlink and has said that Ontario will ban U.S. companies from provincial contracts going forward.

“Everything is on the table and it is clear when I instructed the city manager that he will be looking at all contracts and all procurement policies,” Chow said when asked by a reporter whether Toronto would be following suit.

Chow referred to the 25 per cent tariffs on most Canadian goods slated to take effect on Tuesday as a “senseless trade action” and said that Canadians need to “stand united” now more than ever.

She said that while no specific changes to city procurement are being made immediately, those actions are likely to be included as part of the wider action plan being crafted by city staff.

She also noted that she has directed staff to coordinate Toronto’s response with federal and provincial counterparts to ensure a “one voice” approach.

“The City of Toronto buys a lot of goods. We do have a $78 billion budget. Where we buy our foods for kids’ programs, for shelters, for childcare centres, matters. It matters where we buy because it is a huge budget and a huge economy,” Chow said.

Chow was flanked by members of her executive committee for Monday’s news conference.

Speaking with reporters, she acknowledged that it is an “anxious time” for many Torontonians, likening the current situation with the “dark days of the pandemic.”

But she said that Torontonians can rest assured that city hall will be there to provide support.

Chow’s budget chief Shelly Carroll, meanwhile, said that work on the review of procurement is already underway ahead of a Toronto City Council meeting next week where the budget for 2025 will be finalized.

“The timing of the budget helps us here. For us, in large part our procurement happens after we adopt the budget. There is ongoing procurement certainly but the big stuff comes the day after Feb. 11 so we have between now and then to really make that legal review, make that policy review and decide what to do,” she said. “We feel we can do this but what we really need to do is review all those policies and all those contracts existing right now and look at what our legal abilities are.”

‘Treated like garbage’

The federal government has pledged $155 billion in retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, the bulk of which won’t take effect for 21 days.

Amid the trade tensions, Coun. Mike Colle will table a motion at Wednesday’s council meeting which calls for a “comprehensive, multifaceted buy-local campaign” that would encourage residents to join city divisions, agencies and corporations in boycotting U.S. goods.

Speaking with reporters following Chow’s press conference, Colle called Trump a “maniacal bully” and said that the country is now effectively in an “economic war.”

“To be treated like garbage by the Americans is just so disgustingly disappointing,” he said. “Let’s look at every contract the city has. Past contracts, future contracts and if they are American let’s not proceed with it.”