Region of Waterloo and Cambridge councils join fight against U.S. tariffs

It’s been an economic battle as 25 per cent across the board tariffs from the United States continue to loom over Canada, but local councils across Waterloo Region are hoping to get a jump on protecting residents and businesses alike.

Kitchener, Waterloo, and now Region of Waterloo and Cambridge councils have all unanimously approved motions that would allow each council to look inward at their spending habits, assess tariff impacts on the local economy, and reduce the dependency on American trade.

“If these tariffs are enacted, we risk seeing supply chains being disrupted, jobs threatened, and businesses struggling to compete in their largest export market.”

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“We’re just getting ready to start our first meeting on this, but we’re all scrambling. I can tell you every single mayor in this country is scrambling right now,” said Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett. “We have no idea what’s coming forward. We’re going to do everything to protect the companies that are in this region.”

The most recent approvals come from Regional Council and Cambridge Council, which will now look to develop further ideas on how they can implement the push for Canadian goods as well as protect residents throughout the region from the potential damage from the tariffs.

“This is an unexpected and unprecedented time, so I think it’s very important for all of us to show unity as a council and a city, as a province, and as a country,” said Cambridge councillor Scott Hamilton. “We won’t stand for economic warfare against our persons and our cities.”

Kitchener and Waterloo councils have also approved their own similar motions, looking to build a further focus on the companies in their own backyard and look inward at what area could be improved upon.

One particular issue that has been brought to light is the region’s current dependency on U.S. trade, with Regional Chair Karen Redman saying it’s created a dire situation should the tariffs come into effect.

“Given that nearly 77 per cent of Ontario’s domestic exports go to the U.S. and that 97 per cent of our regional exports come from the manufacturing sector, such a tariff would have profound consequences for the region of Waterloo, said Redman. “The numbers tell a clear story, nearly 19.4 billion dollars in exports flowed from Waterloo Region businesses in 2023, with 18.9 billion of that directly from manufacturing.”

“I’m glad to see the patriotism that is out there. I think we should have been doing it a long time ago, so shame on us for not doing that.”

She adds that, even though it can be hard to see the impacts on a regional level when talking about country-wide tariffs, it’s very clear to see what will directly see repercussions.

“If these tariffs are enacted, we risk seeing supply chains being disrupted, jobs threatened, and businesses struggling to compete in their largest export market.”

One silver lining that has grown from the growing threat is the newfound national pride that has built up throughout the country. The further ‘Buy Canadian’ push is just one local aspect that councils are looking to build on themselves.

“I’m glad to see the patriotism that is out there. I think we should have been doing it a long time ago, so shame on us for not doing that,” said Liggett. Now, we’ve woken up and we’re on it.”

Councils will now get set to report back on updates for the approved motions, getting the opportunity to lay out a proper plan that would better protect the region if and when the U.S. tariffs are put into action.