September 14, 2026

Today, Mayoral candidate Keanin Loomis unveiled the Hamilton Tariff Response Plan, his five-point strategy to help Hamilton businesses weather tariff-related disruption, lead on local procurement and position the city to compete for the next generation of jobs and investment.

“This is a difficult and uncertain moment for Hamilton, a city that has already carried more than its share of the burden from illegal U.S. tariffs. An escalating trade war extends the challenges facing our workers, businesses and families. Now is the time for strong, responsible leadership and to support every Hamilton industry impacted by these tariffs,” said Loomis.

As the voice for Canada’s steel industry, Loomis advocated for municipalities to strengthen domestic procurement and for the Federal government to adopt the Buy Canadian policy. As Mayor, he will support Hamilton workers and businesses while positioning the city as an economic leader nationally.

The Hamilton Tariff Response Plan includes:

1) Procure Local and Domestic

The City of Hamilton has significant purchasing power and should use it strategically and transparently. City Hall should be one of Hamilton's biggest customers.

• Make Buy Hamilton and Buy Canadian a clear priority in municipal procurement

• Set measurable targets for increasing Canadian and local purchasing

• Publicly report how municipal tax dollars are being reinvested right here at home

2)  Lead the National Buy Canadian Movement

Hamilton should lead the Buy Canadian conversation. Keanin will build on his work with Canada’s steel industry to make domestic procurement a practical priority and help turn Buy Canadian into a coordinated national strategy.

• Share best practices and develop common approaches to domestic procurement and understand that buying local and Canadian will deliver value for taxpayers

• Advocate to provincial and federal governments for policies that strengthen Canadian supply chains and make domestic procurement easier

• Invite municipalities across Canada to source from Hamilton, including steel, manufactured products and other industrial goods

3) Keep Cash in Local Businesses

For businesses facing tariff-related disruption, cash flow can mean the difference between keeping workers on the payroll and cutting jobs.

• Establish an interest-free property tax deferral on qualifying commercial and industrial property taxes for businesses demonstrably impacted by tariffs

• Explore faster payment terms for qualifying Hamilton-based small and medium-sized businesses that supply the City, helping get municipal dollars into the local economy faster

4) Protect Hamilton’s Industrial Base

Hamilton’s manufacturing and industrial sectors are the backbone of our economy. They should have a direct line to City Hall when trade disruption puts jobs, investment or operations at risk.

• Create a Hamilton Tariff Impact Concierge Service to help at-risk businesses navigate government relief programs, procurement and export opportunities, permitting, retooling, investment and expansion opportunities

5) Sell Hamilton to Canada and the World

Hamilton has the assets to compete — steel, advanced manufacturing, skilled workers, a deep-water port and strategic infrastructure. We must look beyond today’s tariff dispute and compete for the next generation of investment and jobs.

• Use the City’s economic development efforts to actively attract companies looking to reshore or diversify their supply chains
• Help Hamilton companies reduce their dependence on any single market by connecting them with new customers and opportunities across Canada and internationally

“This tariff fight is a serious challenge, but it’s also a moment to lead.”, said Loomis, “As Mayor, I’ll stand up for our workers, back our businesses, buy Canadian and fight to bring investment and good jobs home. We’ll act, compete and build a better Hamilton.”