York Region supporting local economy in response to tariffs

Newmarket – York Regional Council approved several procurement changes to help mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs. While a trade dispute threatens to increase costs for businesses and consumers, disrupt supply chains and put local jobs at risk, these initiatives aim to build economic resilience and ensure long-term prosperity in York Region.

“York Regional Council remains committed to supporting residents and local businesses, especially as we navigate the potential impacts of U.S. tariffs,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Eric Jolliffe. “These changes to purchasing authority provide additional flexibility, helping us to remain financially responsible while trying to minimize disruptions across our communities.”

Key highlights include:

• Amendments to Procurement Bylaw (2021-103): Increasing the low-dollar value purchasing thresholds from $100,000 to $133,800 to align with provincial trade agreements while providing flexibility
• Increasing Low-Dollar Value Purchases threshold: The increased purchasing threshold through the amendment to the bylaw will encourage purchasing from Canadian suppliers where applicable
• Advocacy for Trade Barrier Removal: Exploring efforts to reduce barriers to free movement of goods, services and labour within Canada

“While York Region’s economy is strong and diverse, the introduction of tariffs and heightened economic uncertainty impacts all local municipalities,” said Township of King Mayor Steve Pellegrini, Chair of Finance and Administration. “Increasing purchasing thresholds supports the Region’s response to tariffs by encouraging purchasing from Canadian suppliers while ensuring compliance with trade treaty requirements.”

York Region will continue to monitor the economic landscape and is working with partners and other levels of government to assess potential implications for residents, businesses and the Region’s fiscal plan. Efforts include business recovery support partnerships, research and analysis, business advisory services and promoting local shopping to strengthen the economy.

For more information on local business supports and resources, supporting the local economy and navigating the economic impacts in response to tariffs, visit york.ca/Tariffs

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to over 1.25 million residents and 57,000 businesses with more than 629,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/RegionalServices

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Media Contact

Ava Baccari, Corporate Communications,
The Regional Municipality of York
Phone: 1-877-464-9675, ext. 72026
Cell: 289-716-9605
Email: ava.baccari@york.ca