Adedokun Waliyu That was the message from Queen’s Park to municipalities this week, as Premier Doug Ford continues his fight against U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war against Canada.
In a letter sent to city and town councils, Municipal Affairs Minister Robert Flack made it clear that municipal compliance with the government’s “Buy Ontario” procurement policies is mandatory.
“American tariffs and anti-trade actions against Canadian imports are causing uncertainty for thousands of Ontario businesses and millions of Ontario workers,” Flack wrote in his letter.
“In response, Ontario has implemented strong procurement requirements that prioritize Ontario and Canadian goods and services in provincial and municipal procurement.”
Compliance ‘is not optional,’ Flack warns
These requirements, he wrote, are meant to ensure every dollar of Ontario’s more than $30 billion in annual procurement spending — as well as the province’s $236-billion, 10-year infrastructure plan — is spent in support of Ontario workers.
Flack’s letter says the province expects the same from municipalities, which he says spend more than $22 billion annually on purchasing and procurement.
“In light of this latest round of tariffs and anti-trade actions against Canada, adherence to these requirements is not optional,” Flack stressed.
“It is an absolute must. Municipalities must use every available opportunity to prioritize Ontario and Canadian goods and services.”
Failing to comply with the new requirements, he said, could result in the province cutting off provincial funding to the offending city or town.
“In the face of these unprecedented economic attacks against our province and country, we all have a responsibility to do everything within our control to protect our workers and communities,” Flack wrote.
“Following Buy Ontario procurement policies can make the difference for an Ontario company that might otherwise be forced to close its doors or lay off workers because of U.S. tariffs.”
Letters outlining the government’s expectations will also be sent to municipal chief administrative officers (CAOs), he added.
