2025.MM26.7

Background

Buying local generally has environmental benefits. For instance, buying locally sourced and produced food can reduce "food miles" (the distance food travels from farm to plate), leading to lower transportation emissions and supporting more sustainable farming practices. Moreover, on February 5, 2025, City Council adopted several measures in response to potential 25% tariffs from the Trump Administration. The City Manager and relevant Divisions were instructed to create a "Buy Local, Buy Canadian" campaign to encourage residents, businesses, and city agencies to support locally made Canadian goods and services, helping protect jobs in Toronto and Ontario. Additionally, efforts to strengthen local procurement processes, as outlined in the "Sidewalks to Skylines" economic plan, were to be accelerated. The Federal Government was also urged to develop a standardized label for Canadian goods that clearly indicates the percentage of Canadian and foreign content. Finally, the motion was forwarded to all Ontario municipalities, encouraging them to join Toronto's campaign.

Item Description

This item recommends that the City of Toronto develop a "Buy Local, Buy Canadian" campaign in response to potential 25% tariffs from the Trump Administration on Canadian products. The campaign aims to encourage Toronto residents, businesses, and city agencies to support local Canadian products and services to protect jobs in Toronto and Ontario, as these tariffs could lead to significant job losses. The motion also suggests that this initiative be shared with other Ontario municipalities to join the campaign, strengthening support for local economies across Canada.”

Source: City of Toronto

Proposed by

Councillor Mike Colle, seconded by Councillor Jennifer McKelvie