Brockville city council aiming for ‘Canada first’ procurement proposal

Councillors in Brockville are set to vote on a motion to review the city’s procurement policy and develop a ‘Canada First’ approach. CTV’s Jack Richardson repor

Councillors in Brockville, Ont. will consider a motion to review the city’s procurement policies and develop a ‘Canada First’ approach in light of the looming tariffs from the United States during Tuesday night’s council meeting.

Officials in Brockville are concerned about the impact tariffs would have for the local economy.

If passed, staff would be directed to review and recommend amendments to the city’s procurement policy to prioritize Canadian goods and services.

Staff would report back with their recommendations at next month’s council meeting.

“We need to do everything we can to support Canadian business,” said Brockville Mayor Matt Wren.

Brockville is home to several manufacturing companies that export daily to the United States, like Canarm Ltd. and Northern Cables Inc.

According to Wren, some companies sell upwards of 70 per cent of their product south of the border.

“They’re going to be dramatically impacted by what’s about to unfold. And we want to do all we can to be their voice of advocacy in this situation,” Wren said.

Brockville isn’t alone.

Other municipal leaders across eastern Ontario are also doing what they can to support local businesses, including in the nation’s capital.

“It’s top of mind for mayors across the country,” said Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.

Sutcliffe says he’s spoken with the leaders of all the major business organizations in the Ottawa area about how the city will do what it can to support them.

“We need to work together to make sure we’re protecting and building the local economy,” he said. “One new contract, one new purchasing decision could help a local business could be the difference for that local business between having a tough year or a good year.”

U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday the planned tariffs on 25 per cent of all goods coming across the border are ‘going forward’ next week.