The City of Kitchener is reactivating its Tariff and Trade Task Force as the U.S. continues to put pressure on Canadian businesses and supply chains. Mayor Berry Vrbanovic made the announcement at Monday night’s council meeting. The task force’s return comes as the federal government laid out its plan to hit the U.S. with dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs that will impact around 700 American products, while also providing support for Canadian workers and businesses, including temporary changes to employment insurance. Canada and the U.S. failed to reach a last-minute trade deal on Friday, after weeks of intense talks, with the goal of preventing 50 per cent tariffs on billions of dollars worth of Canadian goods, including those covered under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). The tariffs will impact $27.6 billion worth of U.S. imports with tariffs varying from 15, 25 and 50 per cent depending on the product. The levies will be in effect starting Sept. 8. Kitchener’s task force was first established in 2025. The city said it will build on that initial work to help local businesses navigate the economic uncertainty. The task force’s priorities include strengthening local and Canadian procurement, identifying supports for businesses and workers affected by tariffs, helping companies diversify into new markets and advocating for assistance from other levels of government. “Recognizing Kitchener’s strong manufacturing base and its connections to continental supply chains and export markets, the initiative aims to strengthen economic resilience and support local businesses during a period of economic uncertainty,” a media release said, in part. With reporting by CTV News’ Spencer Van Dyk and Stephanie Ha
