Toronto Metropolitan University Announces Response to American Tariffs
Toronto, March 5, 2025 – In response to the sweeping tariffs imposed by the United States, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is reinforcing its commitment to prioritizing Canadian businesses in procurement wherever possible.
"Toronto Metropolitan University is proud to join the many organizations and institutions in our province and across our great country who are taking a stand against the tariffs imposed by the United States," said TMU President and Vice-Chancelllor Mohamed Lachemi. "Now is the time to come together by supporting Canadian companies and service providers with our business wherever possible.”
TMU already prioritizes Ontario-based businesses for all goods and services valued under $120,000. Effective immediately, the university is expanding efforts to further prioritize Ontario and Canadian suppliers for all other procurement activities, wherever feasible. The university has directed staff who are responsible for procurement at TMU to review their purchasing practices and explore opportunities to shift spending toward Ontario and Canadian businesses instead of U.S. vendors.
“In the face of President Trump’s tariffs, we all need to pull together to protect Ontario and support our workers, businesses and communities,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “I commend Toronto Metropolitan University’s decision to buy Ontario and buy Canadian wherever possible and urge all Ontario colleges and universities to do the same. We’ll keep investing to support our world-class post-secondary sector and make sure our students have the education, skills and experience they need for successful careers right here in Ontario.”
To further strengthen Canadian procurement, TMU’s DMZ is launching Oh Canada’s Tech Directory, a database of Canadian tech companies. This initiative will simplify procurement for businesses, policymakers, and ecosystem builders by connecting them to companies with Canadian ownership, headquarters and intellectual property. Additionally, TMU’s Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst has created Buy Canadian Cyber (external link) , a dedicated directory of Canadian cybersecurity suppliers to help businesses, governments, and enterprises more easily find and procure cybersecurity solutions from Canadian companies.
About Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)
A world-class research institution and Canada’s leader in innovative, career-oriented education, TMU offers more than 60 undergraduate programs, over 65 graduate programs, and 80 continuing education certificate programs.The university boasts ten faculties, including the Lincoln Alexander School of Law and the new TMU School of Medicine, which is launching in September 2025. Established in 1948, the university is home to nearly 48,000 students, including 2,900 Master’s and PhD students, 4,000 faculty and staff, and over 245,000 alumni worldwide. For more information, visit torontomu.ca.
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For more information:
Jessica Leach
Manager, Media Relations
Office: 416-979-5000 x 554282
jleach@torontomu.ca