As the threat of a tariff war with the U.S. looms, local governments across the nation are exploring ways to favour a Canada-first economy.

Saanich, among many other Greater Victoria municipalities, addressed this at a council meeting earlier this month. 

Coun. Colin Plant put forward a motion requesting staff report on the potential impact on Saanich for prioritizing Canadian-made products and services during the trade dispute.

B次元官网网址淭he District of Saanich has a role to play,B次元官网网址� said Plant. B次元官网网址淭he resolution is intended to provide the public with the understanding that their council is in alignment with what has been discussed provincially and federally in providing a collective response.B次元官网网址�

Brent Reems, SaanichB次元官网网址檚 chief administrative officer, said the districtB次元官网网址檚 procurement process is guided by trade agreements set by senior levels of government which limits the municipalityB次元官网网址檚 ability to make changes independently.

Reems noted that amidst the current political climate, the provincial government is currently reviewing its procurement framework, highlighting that any changes at that level could impact local decision-making. He added that Saanich may have more flexibility with smaller purchases.

B次元官网网址淢ost of those trade agreements relate to goods and services that are procured over a certain dollar value,B次元官网网址� said Reems. B次元官网网址淭here would be perhaps some more freedom for us to act for smaller procurements that are under those thresholds.B次元官网网址�

Mayor Dean Murdock supported Plant, emphasizing the potential impact of a tariff war on Canada while reiterating the importance of prioritizing Canadian goods.

B次元官网网址淭his is our time to act to fortify Canadian jobs and Canadian employees and push back against what are clearly punitive and unfair tariffs,B次元官网网址� said Murdock. B次元官网网址淎nything that we're able to do to use our purchasing power toB次元官网网址� make sure that people don't suffer through what is bound to be a period of hardship.B次元官网网址�

Coun. Karen Harper also voiced her support, mentioning that this issue needed to be addressed immediately.

B次元官网网址淚t's very, very importantB次元官网网址� to have a report that will help us better understand how this may impact the nature of the procurement,B次元官网网址� said Harper. B次元官网网址淚t may also impact the nature of the time frames of various projects because of the changes.B次元官网网址�