Maple Ridge, B.C., Feb. 12, 2025 – The City of Maple Ridge is taking proactive steps to respond to the United States’ tariffs on Canadian goods, including a Buy Local campaign, a review of City procurement policies and practices and advocacy.

Maple Ridge is working with key partners, including other municipalities, the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association, to take a Team Canada approach, support local businesses and strengthen economic resilience.

“The City is actively analyzing the impact of U.S. trade tariffs and is committed to working with all levels of government to ensure our community remains resilient,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “This is an uncertain time, and we understand the concerns of local businesses about all tariffs and their economic impact. That’s why we’re collaborating with the local business community on Buy Local initiatives and supporting programs to provide businesses with the resources they need to navigate these challenges. We’re also looking closely at City purchases to reduce the impact of tariffs and buy Canadian when feasible.”

On Feb. 11, 2025, Maple Ridge Council reviewed a staff report outlining the potential impacts of U.S. trade tariffs on Canadian goods and adopted the recommended Action Plan.

Action Plan to Respond to Tariffs
City staff have preliminarily analyzed potential trade tariff impacts and identified an Action Plan with the following procurement and advocacy actions in response to the proposed U.S. tariffs:

City Purchases

• Updating municipal procurement policies to prioritize Canadian-made goods and services within trade agreement guidelines.
• Conducting a cross-departmental review to identify alternative sources for goods and services currently sourced from the U.S., with a focus on buying Canadian.
• Examining vendor supply chains to mitigate hidden tariff costs.
• Front-loading major purchases before tariffs take effect or delay expenditures where feasible.
• Disseminating procurement and local business information.

Collaborating with Metro Vancouver to explore regional procurement strategies and potential policy amendments to reinforce local purchasing preferences.

Advocacy

• Working with the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association to promote local businesses and encourage economic trade diversification.
• Strengthening Buy Local Initiatives in partnership with the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association to drive consumer support for Maple Ridge businesses. 
• Participating in regional initiatives with Metro Vancouver to align municipal strategies and responses to the U.S. tariffs.
• Working in collaboration with the provincial and federal governments on action items.

Implementation of these actions is planned in preparation for March 4, 2025, when the pause is lifted. 
This direction followed a resolution passed by the Council on Feb. 4, 2025, directing staff to undertake a comprehensive review of potential impacts on the City’s Capital Plan, operational plans, and any policy amendments resulting from the potential U.S. trade tariffs on Canadian goods. Council also affirmed its support for the federal and provincial responses to the U.S. tariffs and directed staff to work in partnership with the Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association and Chamber of Commerce to expand the public campaign to buy local and Canadian goods to strengthen the local economy. 
For more information, visit MapleRidge.ca/TariffResponse and view a listing of business resources at MapleRidge.ca/BuyLocal.  Other Planned Business Support 

• Disseminating procurement and local business information.
• Hosting information sessions and roundtables to connect businesses with industry experts and policymakers.
• Providing education and business support to help local businesses navigate tariffs, supply chain strategies, and financial planning tools.

Local Business Resources
The following tools are available to assist businesses and residents in supporting the local economy:

• Searchable Business Map: Find local businesses with a Maple Ridge Business Licence. 
• Chamber of Commerce Directory: Explore local Chamber members. 
• Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association Member Directory: Discover businesses in the downtown core. 
• Other Helpful Resources for Business:

o Business Development Bank of Canada
o Canadian Federation of Independent Business
o Economic Development Association of Canada
o Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
Next Steps
The City will follow the Action Plan and remain committed to supporting local businesses and ensuring sustainable procurement strategies in response to the evolving trade landscape. This includes advocating with senior levels of government for policy flexibility that allows municipalities to prioritize Canadian-made products. 

Council will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on any necessary adjustments to City operations and policies. 

Quotes Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce 
“The business community is deeply concerned about the impact of these tariffs, which threaten jobs and economic stability. We appreciate the City’s leadership in working with us to provide support, resources, and advocacy to help businesses navigate these challenges.” – Kristi Maier, Chief Executive Officer.

Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association
“These tariffs create uncertainty for many local businesses, but by working together, we can strengthen our local economy. The DMRBIA is committed to working with the City and Chamber to encourage residents to buy local and support businesses affected by these trade disruptions.” - Flori Chaykowski, Executive Director
 
For more information, contact Katerina Anastasiadis, Manager of Intergovernmental Affairs, at 604467-7398.
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Media contact:
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T 604 466 4319   C 778 955 4249 E Media@MapleRidge.ca