Canada

How local governments in B.C. want to ‘choose Canada’ in the face of U.S. tariff threat

Vancouver city councillors have recently come together to support a ‘Team Canada’ approach in response to the U.S. tariff threat. The motion, originally proposed by Green Party councillor Pete Fry and further championed by Mayor Ken Sim, was unanimously approved by council members.

The motion was brought forth in light of the recent tariffs imposed by the U.S. government on aluminum and steel imports, including those from Canada. With the threat of additional tariffs looming, the city of Vancouver is taking proactive measures to support local businesses and align with the national call to ‘choose Canada’ in purchasing decisions.

Mayor Ken Sim emphasized the importance of unity and preparedness in the face of uncertainty, stating that the council is working together to find solutions that will benefit the local economy and support Canada as a whole. The motion includes various initiatives such as establishing an internal roundtable for rapid response to tariffs, exploring fee reductions for permits, and considering property tax deferrals for commercial properties.

Additionally, the motion calls for the creation of a mayor’s task force with the goal of making Vancouver the most competitive city for business in North America. This initiative aligns with the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade’s ‘three per cent challenge,’ which aims to promote financial security and affordability through streamlined processes and reduced costs for businesses.

Tamara Krawchenko, an associate professor at the University of Victoria, commended Vancouver’s leadership in procurement policies and suggested that the city’s actions could set a precedent for other local governments. She highlighted the importance of sustainability and supporting local supply chains in procurement decisions.

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Other municipalities in British Columbia, such as Delta and Burnaby, have also implemented ‘buy Canada’ initiatives in response to the tariff threat. These actions reflect a growing trend towards supporting Canadian businesses and reducing reliance on foreign imports.

Overall, Vancouver’s proactive approach to supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth demonstrates a commitment to resilience and unity in the face of external challenges. By prioritizing Canadian-made products and streamlining procurement processes, the city is taking concrete steps to protect its economy and strengthen ties with the national ‘Team Canada’ approach.

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