As new U.S. tariffs came into force today, the City of Winnipeg is moving swiftly to assess and mitigate potential financial repercussions on municipal operations and major capital projects.

City officials, acknowledging the potential for increased costs, have been actively engaging with stakeholders and government partners to understand the full scope of the tariffs’ impact. While Winnipeg’s diversified economy is considered less vulnerable than some other Canadian municipalities, concerns remain regarding the potential escalation of costs for certain capital projects and procurement areas.

Mayor Scott Gillingham emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach, stating, “The City is committed to ensuring taxpayers get the best value for their dollar, and that means working together with all levels of government and industry partners to navigate these new tariffs. A ‘Team Canada’ approach is essential to protecting jobs and investments in Winnipeg and across the country.”

In response to the new trade landscape, the City has implemented several proactive measures:

• Coordinated Procurement Strategy: The City is collaborating with provincial and federal governments to align procurement strategies and advocate for solutions that safeguard municipal operations and economic stability.
• New Tracking Process for U.S. Purchases: While the City has direct contracts with U.S. suppliers for specific items like software support and transit bus parts, it is now implementing a new system to track indirect purchases of U.S. goods through Canadian suppliers, which had not been previously monitored.
• Updated Tenders and Contracts: To minimize cost increases, the City has revised public tenders and new contracts, requiring contractors to explore alternative sources for equivalent goods from other jurisdictions.
• Regular Public Reporting: The Public Service will provide regular reports to the Standing Policy Committee on Finance and Economic Development regarding the financial impact of the tariffs, ensuring transparency and accountability.

“The City is taking a coordinated and strategic approach to minimize the impact of tariffs on Winnipeg residents and businesses,” Jeff Browaty, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Finance and Economic Development stated. “I will bring forward a motion at Standing Policy Committee on Friday, asking the public service to provide us with a monthly report, which will allow us to monitor cost implications in real time and adjust our approach as needed.”

The City of Winnipeg has pledged to continue monitoring the situation closely and working in collaboration with government and industry partners to safeguard taxpayer value and ensure long-term economic stability.

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