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New directives out of Queen’s Park demanding Ontario municipalities fall in line with provincial “Buy Ontario/Buy Canada” policies are getting a thumbs up.

Ontario municipalities, both large and small, appear to be on board with the new rules — outlined in a letter this week from Municipal Affairs Minister Robert Flack saying cities and towns risk losing municipal funding if they’re not on board.

“Ontario has implemented strong procurement requirements that prioritize Ontario and Canadian goods and services in provincial and municipal procurement,” Flack wrote in his letter.

“In light of this latest round of tariffs and anti-trade actions against Canada, adherence to these requirements is not optional. It is an absolute must. Municipalities must use every available opportunity to prioritize Ontario and Canadian goods and services.”

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown told the Toronto Sun the new measures are a good thing, and he hopes they actually are made mandatory as Flack promised.

“This is a trade war, and we have to use every tool at our disposal,” Brown said.

“I hope this is only a moment in time and it’s temporary and that we do get a deal, but as long as the Trump administration’s engaging in this war of economic aggression through tariffs, we have to lean in.”

Brown said Brampton implemented their own “Stand up for Canada” campaign last March and, along with Peel Regional Council, adopted procurement motions of their own at the same time.

“In Brampton now we’re up to 98% Canadian in our procurement,” he said.

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Many councils already have pro-Canada procurement

It’s not just the big cities who are on board.

Doug Measures, mayor of the Township of Clearview — a community in Simcoe County west of Barrie — told the Sun they always look for local providers for municipal purchases, but it isn’t always easy.

“Making a mandatory order from the province isn’t a bad idea, but I would want to remain open to finding the best products or services for my municipality while being fiscally responsible,” he said.

Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish told the Sun they’re also in favour.

“We have had such a procurement policy ever since the threat and the unfair imposition of tariffs,” she said, adding the policy contains exceptions for tariff-free items under CUSMA.

“When the provincial government encourages municipalities to support local businesses, we agree 100%. This is a fundamental approach that helps us to continue building Canada and Mississauga strong.”

Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe said it’s important for all levels of government to do what they can to promote Canadian business and protect jobs.

“Recognizing the importance of supporting Canadian businesses, Council acted quickly last year to direct staff to prioritize Canadian goods and services whenever practical and cost-effective,” he said.

“Ontario communities are resilient, and by standing together in support of Canadian businesses and workers, we can navigate these challenges while building a stronger, more competitive, and more self-reliant economy.”

bpassifiume@postmedia.com
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