Whereas trade relations between Canada and the United States (the “U.S.”) have been strained by tariffs imposed on Canadian goods by U.S. President Donald Trump;
And whereas the Town of Kingsville (the “Town”) is situated in close proximity to a main international border crossing between Canada and the U.S., in a region that is economically sustained by its manufacturing and industrial agriculture sectors;
And whereas such tariffs are likely to result in economic instability and massive job losses, and local municipalities are likely to experience these impacts directly;
And whereas all levels of Canadian government, including municipalities, have significant purchasing power but have traditionally been prevented by trade agreements from giving preference to purchasing Canadian goods;
And whereas Provincial and Federal leaders are encouraging Canadians to buy Canadian;
And whereas given the strain on trade relations and the impending economic instability, it is in the interest of all Canadians that municipalities procure goods from Canadian suppliers;
Now therefore be it resolved that The Council of the Corporation of the Town of Kingsville:
- Calls on the Provincial and Federal Governments to create and implement measures to protect Canadian businesses and consumers;
- Asks the Provincial and Federal Governments to remove any impediments that may prevent municipalities from giving preference to purchasing goods Canadian suppliers; and,
- Directs the Clerk to forward a copy of this Resolution to the Prime Minister of Canada, Premier of Ontario, all local MPs and MPPs, all Ontario Municipalities, AMO, and ROMA.