Statement from Mayor Vrbanovic on Ontario’s 2026 Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review

Today’s provincial economic update comes at a time when many Kitchener businesses and workers are dealing with real uncertainty caused by U.S. tariffs and changing global trade conditions. 

Ontario’s 2026 Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review includes measures aimed at supporting workers and businesses, including the recently announced $8.7-billion Canada-Ontario action plan for tariff-affected sectors, expanded access to provincial trade and financing programs, and employment and training supports for workers affected by layoffs. 

Here in the City of Kitchener, we know that ours is one of Canada’s most trade-exposed regions, and 15 per cent of our workforce is employed in manufacturing. Behind those numbers are local families, small businesses, manufacturers and employers who contribute every day to the strength of our community. 

That’s why we welcome the province’s continued focus on helping workers and businesses respond to tariff pressures. These supports can help local employers manage uncertainty, pursue new opportunities and, most importantly, keep people working. 

We’re doing our part as well. Through our Tariff and Trade Task Force and Plan to Support Local and Protect Jobs, we’re bringing local partners together, using City spending to support Canadian and local businesses, and helping Kitchener companies adapt and reach new markets. Measures that reduce the cost of investment and research can also help our manufacturing and innovation sectors continue to invest and create jobs here at home. 

Municipalities have an essential role in Ontario’s economic future. The roads, transit, water systems and other infrastructure we build and maintain help create jobs and make new housing and private investment possible. As Kitchener continues to grow, we need strong, predictable and long-term provincial investment in municipal infrastructure so we can keep pace with that growth. 

We’re also pleased to see continued progress on the new Highway 7 between Kitchener and Guelph, including the replacement of the Frederick Street bridge, as well as recent improvements along the Kitchener GO Line. Better connections give people more options to get to work and help connect Kitchener businesses to opportunities across Ontario. 

We’ll continue working with the Province of Ontario and our partners to make sure Kitchener workers and businesses can access the supports they need, while continuing to advocate for the infrastructure a growing Kitchener and Waterloo Region need for the future. 

For more information: 
Corporate Communications and Marketing 
City of Kitchener 
Media@kitchener.ca