Trade and Tariff Resource Hub

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Guelph Businesses, Take our Survey

As we face impacts from U.S. Tariffs, the City of Guelph wants to hear from local businesses.

Take Survey

City of Guelph’s Response to New U.S. Tariffs and Trade Disruptions

The City of Guelph is aware that the U.S. administration has imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian exports and 10% tariffs on Canadian energy. We understand the challenges this will present to local businesses, workers, and the broader Canadian economy. The City of Guelph is also aware of the federal government’s retaliatory measures and is closely monitoring these developments.

The City is collaborating with all levels of government to advocate for the protection of local jobs and to ensure economic resilience for both our local economy and Canada as a whole. We will continue to navigate these challenges with resilience and determination, ensuring that the interests of our local businesses and workers are at the forefront.

The City remains committed to supporting local and Canadian suppliers

  • Currently, about 98.5 percent of all City purchases come from Canadian vendors. Of these purchases, 29 percent are sourced from businesses based out of Guelph.
  • While we prioritize local suppliers, we recognize the complex nature of supply chains. Many products purchased by the City, even from Canadian suppliers, may contain components manufactured in the U.S. or elsewhere.
  • We know that the interconnectedness between Canadian and global markets makes the impact of these tariffs particularly challenging.
  • The City of Guelph understands the complexities of the situation and remains committed to working with all levels of government to advocate for the protection of local jobs and the economic well-being of Guelph and Canada as a whole.

For Residents

Shopping Canadian

If you are looking for resources on how to shift your household purchases to Canadian made products:

Made in Canada

Support local in Guelph

Consider using Guelph Shops as a resource for not just shopping Canadian but also local.

You can use the #GotItInGuelph or #GuelphShops hashtag to encourage your friends and family to support Guelph at this time.

Reasons why shopping local is important.

For Businesses

To support Guelph-based businesses and workers during this time, please find below a list of resources to stay involved. Updates to this webpage will be ongoing as new information and support resources become available.

Want regular updates sent right to your inbox?

Sign up for the Invest in Guelph Mind Your Business e-newsletter to get the latest information about supports available and information for Guelph businesses.

Subscribe to Mind Your Business e-newsletter

Share Your Experience

Let us know how the tariffs are shaping your business to support the City’s advocacy efforts with our government and association partners.

Set up a meeting with an Economic Development Officer.

Book a meeting with Victoria
Book a meeting with Bill
Book a meeting with Allison

Don’t have time to meet? Send the Economic Development and Tourism team an email.

Resources

General Information

Upcoming Webinars and Information Sessions

Your Network: Grow Guelph

Grow Guelph is a closely connected network of non-profit business support organizations, government, and academic partners working collaboratively to coordinate and amplify one another’s efforts to help businesses start, stay, and grow in Guelph.

Visit Grow Guelph website

Your Network: Industry Associations

The following Associations may represent your business and will be helpful to stay connected to for evolving advocacy and impacts to your industry.

Canadian Employment Support Services

Service Canada offers specialized employment support services for tailored for businesses and their employees. Service Canada can support with accessing employment benefits (EI), workforce training, skills development, and career planning.

Service Canada

Service Canada has announced temporary flexibilities to the EI Work- Sharing Program. Work-Sharing special measures to support businesses affected by the threat or potential realization of U.S. tariffs are effective March 7, 2025 to March 6, 2026. Notably the eligibility for the EI Work-Sharing Program has been expanded to seasonal employees and non-profit organizations as part of these special measures. If you have questions regarding the Work- Sharing U.S special measures, please contact the Work-Sharing Employer Inquiry Unit at [email protected].