The below is an opinion piece by Mayor Jyoti Gondek, published in the Calgary Herald on February 27th, 2025.
In recent weeks, the looming threat of US tariffs has understandably caused significant concern among Calgarians and our business leaders. As we face these uncertainties, it’s crucial that we approach the situation with a strategic and determined mindset, rather than succumbing to speculative fears that fuel market instability.
Here in Calgary, we are not just waiting to react to potential tariffs, we are actively preparing to shield our community from their impact. After extensive discussions with key partners like the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and Calgary Economic Development, we’ve laid out a clear path forward to safeguard our taxpayers and businesses.
Our first step has been to protect Calgary taxpayers. City Council voted Tuesday to have Administration assess the City’s procurement policies and processes, to better support the purchase of local, Canadian, and non-American goods and services, reporting back with options to Council. This strategic shift not only helps to safeguard our city from the direct impacts of tariffs but also strengthens our local economy by reducing our dependency on uncertain international supply chains.
Additionally, to keep our stakeholders continuously informed and involved, City Council will be updated monthly on any tariffs, disruptions to goods movement, or other proposed regulatory changes that could significantly impact The City of Calgary’s financial position and supply chain.
The heart of Calgary—our small businesses, which account for more than 90% of our local economy—face significant risks from potential tariffs. To assist them, we’re looking to further collaborate with our regional partners, other orders of government, and industry associations to identify, support, or advocate for local supply chains.
I have also brought together the Mayor’s Tariff Advisory Group – a team of business leaders and our civic partners – to explore opportunities to streamline City processes and cut red tape. These efforts aim to make it easier for businesses to operate and remain competitive during challenging times. The Mayor’s Tariff Advisory Group will also support the City in directly integrating the needs and recommendations of the business community into our strategic planning.
At the national level, I will advocate with my colleagues in the Big City Mayors Caucus to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers, a move that will enhance economic unity and resilience across Canada.
Evaluating the impacts of tariffs has also meant exploring banking and investment services from Canadian financial institutions, ensuring that our financial decisions align with our overall strategy to mitigate economic risks posed by international trade tensions.
Beyond short-term defenses, Calgary is setting the stage for long-term prosperity. The Prairie Economic Gateway project stands as a testament to our forward-thinking approach. This ambitious initiative aims to make Calgary the strongest inland port in North America, with a railway and manufacturing hub that can drive trade across Canada and open up untapped opportunities in Mexico.
Prairie Economic Gateway is a bold strategy to strengthen local supply chains and ensure that Calgary’s economic engine doesn’t just continue running but accelerates into the future. It’s also a promise between Calgary and Rocky View County to be committed regional partners who see the power of collaboration for mutual economic success.
I’m proud to lead a city where we are taking a collaborative, proactive approach to protect Calgary from the potential impact of tariffs. By focusing on local strengths and enhancing economic partnerships within Canada, we are not just preparing to weather possible challenges, we are actively working to build a more resilient and prosperous future for everyone in the Calgary region.
This is our commitment—to stand united as a community and ensure that Calgary remains a vibrant and thriving city in the face of global economic challenges. Together, we are stronger, and together, we will navigate through these turbulent times.
Together, we are more than resilient. We are unstoppable.