With the threat of punishing U.S. tariffs hanging over Canada, the city of º£½ÇÉçÇø¹ÙÍøis exploring ways to buy more domestic products, and launching a campaign urging residents to do the same.
At a city council meeting Wednesday marked by patriotic speeches, members unanimously approved a plan for a “comprehensive, multi-faceted ‘Buy Local, Buy Canadian’ campaign” that would encourage residents and businesses to purchase “locally made Canadian goods and services.”Â
According to the wording of the motion, the effort would help protect º£½ÇÉçÇø¹ÙÍøand Ontario jobs in the event U.S. President Donald Trump follows through on his proposed 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian products. City staff estimate the campaign will cost at least $250,000.Â
“Some like President Trump want to focus on what divides us, and put up barriers, make it harder to work together to trade and create jobs,” said Mayor Olivia Chow in a speech to the chamber. “I think today we’re going to do the exact opposite — we will unite behind our Team Canada, and as a city council we’ll unite with our local citizens.”
The buy local motion was a reiteration of a measure Chow announced Monday that the city would take in response what she called Trump’s “senseless” trade war, and was put forward by Coun. Mike Colle (Ward 8, Eglinton-Lawrence).
Colle was one of several councillors who said Wednesday that Canada had welcomed their families as immigrants and provided them a better life.
“We all owe Canada so much. So in this time of economic peril we have to stand together for Canada, that’s what we’re trying to do here in our small way,” Colle said.Â
In a separate unanimous vote, council also approved a motion affirming Canadian independence and declaring Toronto’s opposition to Trump’s suggestion that Canada become the 51st American state.
Coun. Vince Crisanti (Ward 1, Etobicoke North), noted the vote took place shortly before the Feb. 15 day of commemoration for the Canadian flag.Â
“Let’s be reminded of what our Canadian flag represents. It’s a symbol of our nation’s — our people’s — resolve, our pride, strength, and honour. And yes, I spell honour with a ‘u,’” he said. “We love Americans, but America is not Canada, and Canada is not the U.S.A.”Â
Mayor Olivia Chow said Monday the city would partner with the federal and provincial governments “to support jobs, workers and enhance our
Mayor Olivia Chow said Monday the city would partner with the federal and provincial governments “to support jobs, workers and enhance our
The tariffs, which experts warn could hobble Canada’s economy and set off a devastating trade war, were set to go into effect Tuesday before Trump agreed to a 30-day delay. Â
On Monday, hours before Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Trump had agreed to the reprieve, Chow said she had asked the city manager to review Toronto’s procurement policies to ensure they favoured Canadian suppliers. She also pledged to co-operate with the federal and provincial governments on a tariff response, and to establish a team of business and labour leaders to advise her on the issue.Â
City manager Paul Johnson told council Wednesday he was still working on the procurement review, but estimated that American suppliers account for less than 10 per cent of Toronto’s contracts. The city has an operating budget of almost $19 billion, and a $60-billion, 10-year capital plan. Â
Johnson said that while the intent of the review was to prioritize Canadian products “wherever possible,” a blanket ban on American suppliers “would not be prudent” for the city.Â
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