Dan Chapman, Chief Administrative Officer, provided an update on a resolution that was approved at Special Council on February 10, 2025 related to the U.S. Tariffs. D. Chapman stated since that time the City has established a Kitchener Tariff and Trade Task Force, with proposed actions, including but not limited to:
- Pursuing amendments to the city’s procurement bylaw to prioritize Buy Canadian, Buy Local initiatives.
- Engagement with city vendors to identify and explore Canadian alternatives.
- Supporting the local business community in an effort to focus on Canada First purchases and import substitution.
- Launching a community-driven Support Local campaign in collaboration with BIAs, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Kitchener Market.
C. Bluhm, Executive Director, Economic Development, R. Scott, Chief Procurement Officer, B. Bennett, Business Development Officer and S. Weber, Chief of Staff (Office of the Mayor and Council) were also in attendance to respond to questions from the Council.
Questions were raised regarding supporting and communicating with local business and received responses from C. Bluhm. In response to further questions, D. Chapman stated staff are not working isolation, noting that where opportunities present themselves, staff are also leveraging other organizations such as the Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation (WREDC) to help respond to the needs of the community.