Mississauga City Council has directed staff to explore a range of supports for businesses affected by U.S. tariffs, including possible tax relief, procurement changes and economic development initiatives.
The motion, approved September 16, comes as Canada responds to new tariffs and import restrictions from the United States affecting key sectors of the economy, according to a City of Mississauga news release.
The review will look at potential tax relief programs, investment and economic development initiatives, planning incentives, grant opportunities and procurement strategies, with recommendations to come back to council at a future meeting.
The city's economy is particularly exposed to shifts in American trade policy. Eighteen per cent of Mississauga's employment is tied to exports to the United States, compared with an Ontario average of 13 per cent, the release said.
That works out to about 89,000 people whose jobs are directly affected by decisions outside their control. Small and medium-sized companies make up 97 per cent of Mississauga businesses and often have fewer resources to absorb tariff costs, supply chain disruptions and market uncertainty, the city said.
The motion followed an update at the September 9 General Committee meeting on the impact of trade tariffs, which highlighted the role of the city's Partners in Trade program.
Through that initiative, the city is focused on connecting businesses to opportunities, advocating for local priorities and building economic resilience. The program has a dedicated section on the Invest Mississauga website offering resources, events and guidance on accessing funding, exploring new markets and finding local buying and supply opportunities.
Council pursuing 'meaningful action'
Unfair U.S. tariffs and trade uncertainty are real challenges for our local businesses, but Mississauga is taking smart, meaningful action. Through our Partners in Trade initiative, we are helping businesses stay competitive, diversify to new markets and protect jobs. We are also exploring additional measures, including potential tax relief and other tools, to help businesses navigate and emerge stronger from this disruptive period of uncertainty they never asked for. – Mayor Carolyn Parrish, in a City of Mississauga news release
The push comes during a strong stretch for the local economy. In the first half of 2026, the city attracted more than $600 million in corporate investment and 1,500 new jobs, according to the release. Investment has come in sectors including advanced manufacturing, logistics, life sciences, technology and financial services.
The city described Mississauga as Ontario's second-largest economy and a key contributor to the federal government's Build Canada priority. Staff are to report back to council with recommendations at a future meeting.
"Trade uncertainty is accelerating the need for businesses to diversify, innovate and grow. Through Partners in Trade, we are helping companies find new opportunities, strengthen supply chains and build long-term resilience and competitiveness," Christina Kakaflikas, director of Invest Mississauga, said in the release.
The Mississauga Board of Trade is also backing the effort. David Wojcik, the board's president and CEO, said MBOT is pleased to support the Partners in Trade initiative and work on efforts that connect businesses with resources, inform advocacy and help companies navigate ongoing trade uncertainty.
The city's economic development strategy, Path to Prosperity 2030, guides the broader work of attracting investment and supporting local companies.
