McMaster University is strengthening its commitment to Canadian suppliers, supporting workers through education and training, and sharing knowledge and expertise from our faculty members as the impact of U.S. government-imposed tariffs grows.

Provost and Vice-President (Academic), Susan Tighe, and Vice-President (Operations and Finance) Saher Fazilat have established working groups within the university to assess potential financial impacts, develop mitigating strategies and identify additional efforts to support McMaster and the larger Hamilton community.

“Everyone has a role to play in building Canada’s resilience,” says Tighe.

“We are taking a Team Canada and Team Ontario approach by supporting local suppliers, sharing our expertise, and equipping workers with new skills.

“This is a broad challenge — one that calls for collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to working toward a stronger future.”

Buy local, buy Canadian 

McMaster has reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to buying locally, provincially and nationally made products where possible and actively working to mitigate financial impacts to the university.

While the amount of Ontario- and Canadian-made products purchased by the university has increased significantly over the last several years, the university is emphasizing and encouraging sourcing from local suppliers as much as feasibly possible moving forward. This aligns with McMaster’s broader commitment to sustainable procurement and responsible financial management.

“While we know these tariffs will impact McMaster’s finances, we have always come together as a community to develop creative solutions to challenges, and this time will be no different,” says Fazilat.

Not all goods are impacted by tariffs and the university is closely monitoring items on the tariff list.

Some areas, such as construction and hospitality, may experience cost adjustments, but are already taking steps to mitigate these impacts as much as possible.

Research will be impacted as well, with computers, books and some lab equipment on the latest tariffs list released by the U.S.

Faculty and staff involved in buying goods and services are asked to prioritize Ontario- and Canadian-based suppliers wherever possible. If purchasing items through MacBuy, you can identify Ontario-based suppliers through the Trillium logo.

Contact McMaster’s Procurement Office for more information on how tariffs may affect purchasing decisions, or for support in identifying local suppliers.

Support for the workforce 

McMaster offers a range of courses designed to help workers gain new skills, enhance their expertise and stay competitive as some sectors see rapid changes to the employment market.

“As the workforce starts to feel the impact of the U.S. tariffs, access to flexible and practical learning opportunities is important to help some workers get through the difficult times,” says Tighe. “The university can offer support in meaningful ways as they adapt and grow.”

Free MOOCs 

For those seeking flexible, online learning opportunities, McMaster offers free Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) through Coursera.

• Experimentation for Improvement: Taught by McMaster faculty, this course helps learners develop skills in using data and testing methods to drive meaningful improvements.

• Learning How to Learn: This popular course, co-taught by a McMaster-affiliated instructor, provides strategies for mastering new material quickly and effectively.

Affordable short courses 

For those looking for a practical, instructor-led experience, McMaster Continuing Education (MCE) offers Change Management, a short course at a cost of $85 that is designed to help professionals lead and navigate organizational change.

For industry professionals 

The McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI) offers an Industrial Training Program for industry professionals looking to enhance their technical skills. This hands-on program provides practical training in advanced manufacturing processes and technologies.

Career support for students and recent graduates 

McMaster is also committed to helping students and alumni within five years of graduating through the Student Success Centre. Services include one-on-one support for career decision-making, job search strategies, resume reviews, and interview preparation.

Students and recent graduates can also access a variety of career tools and resources — including Big Interview, Digital Challenge Cards, and Values Reflection Activities — to strengthen their skills.

Knowledge and expertise 

McMaster faculty members are actively contributing their insights and expertise to help the broader community understand and respond to the impacts of the U.S.-imposed tariffs. Through media interviews, podcasts, and public commentary, they are shedding light on the economic, political, and social implications of the trade policies.

Below are just two examples of the ways McMaster faculty can support our communities and businesses.

One area of particular concern in Hamilton is the steel industry. Joe McDermid, a professor in mechanical engineering and an expert on steel manufacturing, has highlighted how tariffs are affecting Canada’s steel sector. He explains that while the industry has proven resilient in the past, rising costs could challenge its global competitiveness. McDermid also emphasizes the importance of innovation and advanced manufacturing techniques to help the sector remain strong.

Jobs in other sectors besides manufacturing might also be affected. Catherine Connelly, a professor in the DeGroote School of Business, is exploring the impact of tariffs on Canadian jobs. She underscores the need for policies that support workers and mitigate the economic strain on businesses.

Click here for more information and the full list of McMaster experts offering insights on tariffs