Hamilton City Council is continuing to advance new Made-in-Canada procurement policies in light of ongoing American tariffs.
City Council recently approved changes to procurement that direct staff to prioritize buying goods, services, and construction from Canadian businesses, while also further prioritizing Hamilton-based suppliers.
The city says that they are also “working closely with industry partners to ensure Canadian steel and aluminum are considered first for local infrastructure and construction projects.”
Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath said in a press release, “Supporting Canadian business isn’t just good policy, it is essential for our economic resilience.”
“A strong local, diversified economy is essential, and that means putting Hamilton suppliers and Canadian businesses first. We must invest in our local suppliers, protect our jobs, keep our steel town community strong and keep taxpayer dollars in Hamilton to ensure lasting economic benefits for the people who live and work here.”
Hamilton City Manager Marnie Cluckie echoed Horwath, saying, “Now, more than ever, we need to stand behind Canadian businesses. They are the lifeblood of our community.”
“We are proud to invest in our local economy and help keep our well-earned dollars right here in Hamilton and Canada.”
The City of Hamilton press release also says that they will “continue working with local businesses and industry partners and will monitor trade developments and adjust its procurement policies and practices as needed in response to the evolving trade environment.”
Hamilton Council has already increased the dollar thresholds for what deals require a Request for Tenders, which must be publicly advertised.
As such, city staff are now able to use a Request for Quotations, a more closed process whereby the city directly contacts possible vendors, for goods and/or services contracts up to $133,800 and construction contracts up to $334,000.
All contracts awarded through both processes are automatically made to the vendor that returns with the lowest compliant bid.
Staff say that, even though the policies have been approved by Council, city staff will be “transitioning” to the changes “in the coming months.”
A staff report states that there will be “limited exceptions” permitting procurements from U.S. businesses when there is a risk to health and safety, there is an operational necessity, or when it is “demonstrably in the city’s best interest.”
Staff also say that the “full financial impact” of the new procurement policies is “unknown” and that they will report back later this year with procurement-related cost increases and proposed financing or mitigation strategies.
Based in Hamilton, he reaches hundreds of thousands of people monthly on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. He has been published in The Hamilton Spectator, Stoney Creek News, and Bay Observer. He has also been a segment host with Cable 14 Hamilton. In 2017, he received the Chancellor Full Tuition Scholarship from the University of Ottawa (BA, 2022). He has also received the Governor General’s Academic Medal. He formerly worked in a non-partisan role on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
