BRAMPTON, ON (March 7, 2025) – Peel Public Health suspects cases of avian influenza in wild birds in Peel following the discovery of a large number of dead birds in the region recently. The Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative is currently testing the birds to determine the cause of death.
Avian influenza primarily infects wild birds but can be transmitted to poultry and other mammals. Rarely, avian influenza may also spread to people. The risk of bird-to-human transmission is low. There have been no human cases of avian influenza in Peel or Ontario.
If you find sick or dead wild birds, avoid handling them if possible, and contact your local municipal animal control department or the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative.
To limit the spread of avian influenza and protect the health and safety of residents and pets, Peel Public Health has the following advice:
If handling dead birds or animals is necessary, wear gloves, place the dead bird or animal in a doubled plastic bag and tie it closed. Then, wash your hands thoroughly. They can be placed, double-bagged, in the garbage for disposal.
Consider removing backyard bird feeders and bird baths. If they cannot be fully removed, place as far away from family pets as possible and clean with 10 per cent bleach at least once every two weeks.
Keep family pets away from birds and fecal matter.
Keep cats indoors and dogs on leash to limit the potential for an encounter with an infected bird.
Do not feed family pets raw meat from game birds or poultry.
Do not feed or otherwise interact with wild birds.
Pet birds, if not normally kept indoors, should be restricted to the indoors.
Residents who raise backyard chickens, own pet birds or maintain other flocks, should monitor them for signs of avian influenza and follow preventive actions recommended by the Province and Government of Canada.
Do not attempt to retrieve or help birds from seemingly frozen bodies of water as ice and water conditions are unsafe.
If you become ill with influenza (flu) symptoms (including fever, cough, difficulty breathing, muscle aches, headache and/or red watery eyes) within 10 days of handling wild birds or other wildlife, see your healthcare provider. Inform your healthcare provider that you have been in contact with wildlife.
The risk of avian influenza spreading to humans is extremely rare. There are no indicators of increasing risk to the general public at this time. Additional details will be provided as they become available. More information on avian influenza can be found on the Ministry of Health’s website.
City launches series of comprehensive initiatives to support local businesses during this time of global economic uncertainty and in response to American tariffs on Canadian goods.
March 5, 2025
During today’s General Committee meeting, City staff provided an update to Council regarding Mississauga’s response to the U.S. tariffs, including more information on the economic impact on Mississauga’s local economy and changes to the City’s procurement processes. Mississauga’s response comes after the U.S. imposed tariffs on Canada. In retaliation, the Government of Canada has imposed 25 per cent counter-tariffs on $155 billion worth of U.S. goods and implemented immediate tariffs on goods worth $30 billion, with the remainder to be implemented within 21 days.
As Canada continues to navigate these unprecedented economic challenges, the City is taking a strategic and measured approach to its response. The City has already begun implementing various initiatives aimed at supporting local businesses and the economy and protecting local jobs.
Given the strong interdependence within the supply chain between Canada, its provinces and the United States, the newly imposed tariffs will drive up costs for both business inputs and consumer goods. Other potential impacts include disruptions to supply chains, reduced business investment and reconsideration of investments in Mississauga.
The City’s response to U.S. tariffs
The City is taking action to support local businesses and residents. Efforts include direct outreach, advocacy and working to ensure local Mississauga businesses are connected to the supports and available resources from all levels of government.
City initiatives already underway
Partners in Trade Response Plan
This long-term plan aims to support Mississauga’s businesses, protect jobs, and stabilize our local economy. The plan includes:
Procurement By-law amendments – The City is amending its Procurement By-law to prioritize Canadian and non-U.S. suppliers, especially for medium and high-value projects, and streamline the process to support more local, diverse, and smaller businesses.
Choose Canada campaign – The City launched the Choose Canada initiative in February, encouraging residents and businesses to support the local economy by purchasing Canadian-made products and services.
Business support and outreach – The City will engage with local businesses to understand their needs and provide access to resources for navigating tariff disruptions. This includes market diversification support for businesses looking to enter into new markets beyond the U.S.
Advocacy – The City will continue to advocate to provincial and federal governments to secure support for impacted businesses and the elimination of inter-provincial trade barriers.
The City is also working with the Mississauga Board of Trade, the Toronto Region Board of Trade, Export Development Canada and other business associations and partners to assist local businesses in learning more about the impacts of tariffs, managing supply chain risks and navigating these challenging times. The City’s Economic Development Division has a long history of assisting businesses in their time of need, including most recently during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more details on the Government of Canada’s response, including the list of U.S. products subject to counter-tariffs, click here.
Quotes
“We’re facing unprecedented economic uncertainty. The newly imposed U.S. tariffs are threatening jobs on both sides of the border and sending trading markets into a free fall. As a manufacturing and trade hub, Mississauga is affected, but we are resilient. While we cannot control the tariffs, we can respond. Mississauga stands united with our federal and provincial governments against these unjust tariffs and will continue to support local businesses and residents. I encourage everyone to participate in our Choose Canada campaign by supporting Canadian-made products where you can.” – Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish
“Our City’s manufacturing sector, which supports thousands of jobs, is particularly vulnerable to tariffs and economic uncertainty. Industry forecasts project a two to three percentage point increase in the unemployment rate nationwide, translating to an estimated loss of 600,000 jobs across the country, and significant ripple effects to communities like Mississauga. That’s why we’re taking action to advocate for our manufacturers, local industries, businesses and workers and to connect our businesses with necessary resources and support. By collaborating with local businesses and partners, we aim to strengthen our economy and protect the livelihoods of Mississauga residents.” – Christina Kakaflikas, Director, Economic Development, City of Mississauga
“Last year, Mississauga invested more than $730 million in procurements, and these tariffs will substantially drive up costs for our city. To respond effectively, our amended Procurement By-law will enable us to prioritize Canadian suppliers and those from non-U.S. sources wherever possible, particularly for medium and high-value projects. This proactive approach will streamline the procurement process and help us empower more local, diverse, and small businesses to compete and thrive.”
– Raj Sheth, Commissioner, Corporate Services, City of Mississauga
Please be informed of a potential adjustment to Toronto Pearson’s regular operations following last week’s Delta Airlines flight 4819 incident.
To address a backlog of cancelled and delayed flights resulting from the five-day shutdown of Runway 05/23, Transport Canada has given Toronto Pearson temporary permission to fly some additional nighttime flights to return us to full operations, if needed.
At this time, we are prioritizing day-time operations and are not anticipating any significant increase to our night flight schedule.
However, should residents have concerns about noise during restricted hours, there are a number of ways they can engage us:
Phone: Call 416-247-7682 to ask questions or share concerns
Insightful Online Portal: This easy-to-use online resource allows you to access information about noise management and learn more about aircraft operations.
Noise Complaint Form: Submit up to 50 noise complaints simultaneously via the online form.
Municipalities like Mississauga are working to find the right balance – ensuring residents can express their views peacefully while maintaining public safety, security and access to places of worship. The City is considering the feasibility of a by-law which would regulate some forms of protests near Places of Worship in Mississauga.
Imagine Mississauga: Your Vision, Our Shared Future
The City of Mississauga is inviting residents to help shape the future by contributing to the refresh of its Strategic Plan. This important document will guide the city’s growth, address challenges, and set priorities today and into the future. From housing and climate action to transportation and arts, your input will help create a shared vision for a vibrant and inclusive Mississauga.
How to Get Involved:
Share your ideas by completing the online survey at mississauga.ca/imagine
Meet City Ambassadors at local events, community centers, and museums to provide feedback. Upcoming dates in Ward 1 include:
Sunday, March 16 at Port Credit Arena, 11 am-4 pm
Wednesday, March 19 at Mississauga Seniors Centre, 9 am-2 pm
Saturday, March 22 at Port Credit Arena, 11 am-5 pm
Friday, March 28 at Mississauga Seniors Centre, 9:30 am-1:30 pm
Attend a free speakers’ event this spring featuring experts in equity, climate action, and urban mobility (registration required).
Key Focus Areas:
The refreshed Strategic Plan will center on eight themes, including housing affordability, climate resilience, mobility innovation, economic vibrancy, and inclusive community building. Join us in shaping Mississauga’s future. Visit mississauga.ca/imagine and learn more and share your vision today!
In recognition of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, Peel Regional Police highlighted their ongoing efforts in combating this serious crime. Human trafficking, which exploits vulnerable individuals for labour and sexual purposes, affects countless lives in Peel Region and across the world.
In 2024, PRP’s Vice and Human Trafficking Unit made significant strides in addressing this issue. Some key accomplishments include:
38 individuals charged with human trafficking-related offences
143 human trafficking-related charges laid
30 survivors supported through the provincial court system
5 firearms seized through proactive efforts to reduce crime in our communities
In collaboration with social service partners, victim service counsellors are embedded directly into the VICE Unit, allowing officers to provide immediate, expert support for survivors. Beyond preventing crime, PRP’s Vice and Human Trafficking Unit is committed to education by providing comprehensive training to diverse community groups across Brampton and Mississauga, including vulnerable international students, to raise awareness of the dangers and signs of human trafficking. Additionally, every sworn member of Peel Regional Police has undergone survivor-led anti-human trafficking detection training to ensure a compassionate, informed, and effective response to survivors.
In recent weeks, Canada has faced threats from the United States about placing tariffs on Canadian goods, with the United States announcing plans to implement a 25% tariff on all Canadian aluminium and steel products starting March 12, 2025. There are also ongoing discussions about the potential for additional tariffs to be implemented soon after.In response, Canadian governments at all levels, including the City of Mississauga, are encouraging everyone to come together and put Canada first. Buying Canadian where posssible and supporting local businesses keeps our country strong and united against these external threats.
When you direct the money you already spend on food and supplies to Canadian products and businesses, you help build resilience in our community for adapting to an uncertain future.
Wherever possible, choosing products made or produced in Canada, and sold by Canadians, supports your local and country-wide economy during these turbulent times and harmful tariffs.
Buy products with a Made in Canada or Product of Canada label
