‘Buy Canadian,’ says mayor of Mississauga as tariff war with U.S. heats up

Concerned about the potential impact of U.S.-imposed tariffs on Mississauga businesses and residents, Mayor Carolyn Parrish is urging people to “buy Canadian” as part of a wide-scale pushback against Canada’s powerful neighbour to the south.

Parrish, in a statement released on Monday, also praised the federal and provincial governments’ actions in response to the surprise 25 per cent tariff announcement from U.S. President Donald Trump a couple of weeks ago.

The hefty tariffs on Canadian goods are expected to take effect on Tuesday, though Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will speak again with Trump later Monday after an initial call earlier in the day. The hope is to resolve the burgeoning trade dispute and prevent any tariffs from taking hold.

In her statement, the mayor of Canada’s seventh-largest city emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses and encouraged residents to “buy Canadian.”

Parrish also said she “strongly supports” Ontario and Canada’s strategy of reciprocal tariffs. Both Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford have vowed to meet the U.S. tariff threat dollar for dollar.

She urges Mississauga residents and businesses — and others — to “rally together by consciously supporting Canadian-made products and buying local, especially when grocery shopping or making everyday purchases.”

The mayor expressed disappointment over the economic confrontation with the U.S., long a trusted ally of Canada.

Mayor Carolyn Parrish is urging residents to “buy Canadian” in the face of U.S. tariffs.

“It is disheartening to see a long-standing friendship and partnership between Canada and the United States, one that has been mutually beneficial for decades, strained by recent policy shifts in the U.S.,” said Parrish. “Canada’s measured response with retaliatory tariffs is necessary to protect our economic interests, and I am confident that Mississauga’s resilient businesses and residents will rise to this challenge.”

She also noted the importance of “using this opportunity to strengthen Mississauga’s local economy.”

“As the second-largest economy in Ontario, our community is home to some of Canada’s most innovative businesses and hardworking residents, as well as numerous American businesses that have chosen Mississauga as a base for their operations,” said Parrish. “We value their contributions and hope they will continue to be part of our city’s success story.”

She added: “While we encourage residents to choose locally produced goods to support our domestic economy, we also recognize the importance of fostering strong partnerships with all businesses committed to Mississauga’s growth.”

Parrish also reaffirmed the City of Mississauga’s commitment to supporting local businesses. Her office will begin to engage with stakeholders to provide potential resources, advocacy
and assistance to businesses navigating this period of economic uncertainty.

“I want the people of Mississauga to know that we are in this  together,” said Parrish. “We will continue to stand by our businesses and residents to ensure they have the tools and
support needed to overcome this situation and emerge even stronger.”