Mississauga taking action on tariffs: City exploring additional business supports as trade uncertainty continues

As Canada responds to the latest trade measures from the United States that include new tariffs and import restrictions affecting key sectors of the economy, City Council approved a motion today to direct staff to explore a range of support measures for businesses affected by tariffs.

Read the full motion here.

The motion directs City staff to review and report to back to Council on:

1. Broad property class or general tax payment relief for 2027;
2. Property tax deferral for businesses experiencing financial hardship to due to tariffs;
3. An application-based tax installment deferral program;
4. Community investment initiatives;
5. Economic development initiatives;
6. Grant funding opportunities;
7. Planning and development measures, including a community improvement plan (CIP) for commercial and industrial property, and development charges; and
8. Procurement initiatives.

The motion follows an update to Council at the City’s General Committee meeting on September 9 about the impact of trade tariffs. The update focused on the key role Partners in Trade plays in the current trade climate. Watch the video from the September 9 General Committee meeting. See the PowerPoint presentation.

In an effort to strengthen local economic resilience, protect jobs and alleviate financial pressure for local businesses and workers in Mississauga, the review will examine potential tax relief programs, investment and economic development initiatives, planning incentives, grant opportunities and procurement strategies, with recommendations to be presented to Council at a future meeting.

Driving business competitiveness and growth

As Ontario’s second largest economy and key contributor to the federal government’s Build Canada priority, Mississauga is taking action to help businesses respond to trade uncertainty, compete in new markets and strengthen long-term growth.

Through Partners in Trade, the City is focused on connecting businesses to opportunities, advocating for local priorities and building a more resilient economy.

Key actions

Helping businesses compete and grow

• Open new market opportunities for Mississauga businesses
• Strengthen local supply chains and supplier connections
• Attract investment and support business expansion
• Connect companies to funding, expertise and growth resources

Advocating for business

• Champion local business priorities with provincial and federal governments
• Advance procurement initiatives that create opportunities for local suppliers
• Support policies that strengthen business competitiveness and economic resilience

Building long-term economic strength

• Advance Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy and other high-growth sector initiatives
• Implement Path to Prosperity 2030 to drive investment, innovation and job creation
• Pursue new funding to support business productivity and export diversification

Upcoming information and support events

The Partners in Trade program features a dedicated section on the Invest Mississauga website, offering resources, events and expert guidance to help businesses access funding, explore new markets and find opportunities to buy and supply locally.

Impact of tariffs on Mississauga

Mississauga’s economy is particularly vulnerable to U.S. trade policy shifts, with 18 per cent of the city’s employment tied to exports from our neighbour to the south, compared to the Ontario average of 13 per cent. This translates to 89,000 jobs; 89,000 people whose employment is directly impacted by decisions out of their control.

Small and medium-sized companies make up 97 per cent of businesses in Mississauga. They often have fewer resources to absorb tariff costs, supply chain disruptions and market uncertainty. That means that Mississauga’s economy is more exposed to U.S. trade policy shifts than Ontario overall.

Mississauga’s economy

Invest Mississauga, Mississauga’s Economic Development division, continues to support economic growth. In the first half of 2026, the city attracted more than $600 million in corporate investment and 1,500 new jobs. This reflects the strength of Mississauga’s diverse economy and its continued appeal to investors in sectors including advanced manufacturing, logistics, life sciences, technology and financial services. The City builds on this momentum through Path to Prosperity 2030, Mississauga’s economic development strategy.

Quotes

“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, City of Mississauga

“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, Invest Mississauga

“As the voice of Mississauga’s business community, MBOT is focused on advocating for the policies and supports businesses need to remain competitive. We are pleased to support Invest Mississauga’s Partners in Trade initiative and collaborate on efforts that connect businesses with practical resources, inform advocacy efforts and help companies navigate ongoing trade uncertainty.” – David Wojcik, President and CEO, Mississauga Board of Trade

Tags

• Council and Committees
• Economic Development
• Tariffs and Trade