|
Hello Ward 13
With yet another election before us, and as trade tensions and tariffs continue to disrupt our socioeconomic and political environment, we’re building local resilience—and it’s clear we’re not doing it in isolation. Across the country, communities are stepping up, and together we’re bringing a louder, more coordinated voice to the table. That makes me proud to be a Londoner and Canadian.
On March 4, 2025, the United States announced a 25% tariff on most Canadian goods, citing concerns around border security and fentanyl trafficking. While these tariffs took immediate effect on general imports, goods protected under the USMCA received a 30-day reprieve, which ended yesterday, April 2, bringing these tariffs into full effect today.
Additionally, since March 12, 2025, Canadian steel and aluminum exports have faced a separate 25% tariff. Today, a new 25% tariff on imported automobiles, including those from Canada, also takes effect. Further, a 25% tariff on auto parts is scheduled to begin on May 3.
Canada was notably excluded from yesterday’s announcement of new global reciprocal tariffs by the U.S., including a 10% tariff affecting many other countries. Nevertheless, the continuation of these targeted U.S. measures present significant risks for our economy.
In response, Canada announced today a 25% Canadian retaliatory tariff on U.S. vehicles that are non-compliant with the USMCA. This marks Canada’s first direct countermeasure to the U.S. actions, aimed specifically at protecting the integrity of the trade agreement.
Already, industry impacts are being felt. Automaker Stellantis announced a temporary production halt at its Windsor, Ontario and Toluca, Mexico plants, citing the new U.S. tariffs as a direct cause. The move underscores the immediate disruption to North American auto supply chains.
In response, the City is moving forward by reviewing our Industrial Land Development Strategy. The goal is straightforward: attract manufacturers producing goods currently imported, to strengthen our local supply chains and build a more resilient, self-sufficient economy. We’re also updating regulations around home-based businesses, aiming to provide more flexibility, including allowing limited off-site employees and expanded food production. Additionally, institutions like London Hydro, Western University, and Fanshawe College are being encouraged to prioritize Canadian suppliers in their procurement, while Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) across the city are stepping up efforts to protect local businesses and jobs.
On a more positive note, Downtown is soon to enter a new evolutionary phase in its history as momentum for the Downtown Master Plan is in high gear and will be kicking off this month. On Tuesday, Council approved both the interim Quick-start actions, including expanded police and MLEO presence, business incentives, and public space improvements—and the appointment of Canadian Urban Institute to lead the full Downtown Master Plan. With CUI’s national experience on projects like Downtown Windsor’s Revitalization Plan, Ottawa’s Core Strategy, and insights from their work on office-to-residential conversions in cities such as Victoria, Regina, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Halifax, and Moncton, we’re fortunate to have a team that brings both urgency and proven tools to help deliver a bold, locally guided vision for the future of London’s Downtown.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended our recent Town Hall. Your thoughtful engagement made it a meaningful evening, and I’ll keep the presentation shorter next time.
Inside this newsletter, you’ll also find updates on local road work, infrastructure improvements, upcoming community events like EarthFest London, and important reminders about the upcoming Federal Election on April 28.
Thank you for staying informed and engaged—I look forward to connecting again soon.
Warm regards,
David Ferreira
Councillor Ward 13, London Ontario
519-661-2489 ext. 4013 | dferreira@london.ca
For more information on newsletters, ward meetings, current city initiatives, and other resources, please visit my website at www.davidferreira.ca.
|
