In response to the ‘Buy American’ provisions of the U.S. stimulus package, Canada’s mayors have narrowly passed a resolution that could potentially block U.S. companies from bidding on city contracts.
The resolution was passed at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference in Whistler, B.C., by a vote of 189-175.
The resolution says the federation should support cities that adopt policies that allow them to buy only from companies whose home countries do not impose trade restrictions against Canadian goods.
“Today, Canada’s cities and communities joined the federal and provincial governments in a common front to try and stop American protectionism,” Jean Perrault, FCM president and mayor of Sherbrooke, Que..
“We stand united in the belief that fair trade and an even playing field are in the best interest of our country, our communities and our citizens…”
The resolution was initiated by the Ontario community of Halton Hills, where two local companies have lost contracts they previously had in the U.S.
Of course. This is what trade wars and protectionism always are about. Opportunist politicians trying to ingratiate themselves with populist slogans.
There is a special attitude in the United States about all of this. Since we’re the rulers of Earth, we should make all the rules.