Task force reignited to support Kitchener businesses in trade war

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic announced Monday the city’s Tariff and Trade Task Force is back in business, following the escalation in the trade war between The United States and Canada.

Following the breakdown of talks Friday, Vrbanovic said he stands behind Prime Minister Mark Carney and the negotiating team.

“Sadly, our neighbours made the choice they did, but you stood firm and recognized that no deal is better than a bad deal,” said Vrbanovic in statement.

“Know that the people of the City of Kitchener and myself stand united with you in this journey towards our shared, stronger future for Canada!”

At Kitchener City Council Monday night, Vrbanovic once again addressed the ongoing tariff troubles, noting he had asked the city’s Tariff and Trade Task Force to resume.

The task force was first introduced back in February 2025, and was behind the Support Local campaign in the City of Kitchener.

Vrbanovic noted the local manufacturing economy in Kitchener and Waterloo Region is deeply connected to continental supply chains and export markets, and the tariffs will and already have had, a massive impact on local businesses and families.

The task force will work with local businesses to help find local suppliers within Waterloo Region and Canada, and support companies in diversifying.

It will also work to advocate for “meaningful assistance” when it comes to tariff support.

In his address to council, Vrbanovic said he hopes the community can come together to get through this heightened trade war.

“In this moment of uncertainty it is important that we all stand together, supporting local, buying Canadian, protecting jobs, and building a stronger and more resiliant economy.”

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has the tri-cities (Kitchener, Cambridge, Waterloo) listed as the fourth most vulnerable region in the country when it comes to the U.S. tariffs.

According to data shared by the City of Kitchener, $17.8 billion of tri-city gross domestic product (GDP) is generated from exports to the U.S.

Details on the city’s response to the U.S. tariffs can be found here.

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