Staff are examining ways to support jobs while awaiting federal or provincial tariff relief.
Local government | August 25, 2026
Mississauga’s economy is particularly vulnerable to US tariffs: 18 per cent of total employment – roughly 89,000 jobs – is tied directly to US exports. Key areas affected include automotive parts, machinery and electronics, plastics and rubber, furniture, and steel and aluminum products.
As a City, we are determined to stand up and defend these jobs and sectors. We are encouraged that the federal government today is rolling out rapid assistance to workers and businesses hit by this latest trade and economic turbulence.
These troubling trade developments imperil jobs and risk a spike in inflation. That is why we are exploring ways in which to help our local businesses.
Additionally, before today’s federal announcement, staff have already applied for $1.5 million in funding under the federal Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI). Securing this funding would help us deliver a trade mission acceleration program designed to help Mississauga’s small and medium-sized businesses diversify into non-US markets through export readiness training and trade missions.
It is clear that we must diversify our international trade partnerships. Mississauga has always been open to the world. That openness will facilitate an expansion of productive and solid international partnerships.
The City’s Partners in Trade roundtable will be consulted for further input from members on this critical, developing issue.