PRINCE GEORGE – Council got political during its regular meeting, following a report around the City’s procurement policies.
In February, the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association presented to Council, requesting the City look at its procurement practices.
And it did.
There are a number of trade laws the City of Prince George is subject to: the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, the Canada-UK Trade Continuity Agreement, the Canadian Free Trade, the Agreement and the New West Partnership Trade Agreement. All of these agreements. Citing the report, these trade agreements hold the same basic principles of open and non-discriminatory procurement. Trade agreements “do not permit preferential treatment of local suppliers.”
However, it was also noted during the meeting that municipalities are not bound to the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
That means municipalities are not obligated to include to include US suppliers in its procurement process.
It prompted plenty of discussion around what options the City in terms of procurement.
The report was put forward by Finance Director Kris Dalio, who cautioned against any blanket resolutions, citing concerns about unforeseen consequences.
“The tariff situation is still evolving,” he noted. “We don’t have guidance from the Province yet as far as a unified push that all of the municipalities in the province would follow. But that is an option. What we can do should be very carefully weighed against what we should do.”
Councillor Cory Ramsay also noted the early impacts of the trade war between Canada and the United States.
“What happens if a business shuts down because of the tariffs? What does that mean for the local taxpayers,” citing corporations like Canfor.
Ultimately the following resolution was approved, though not unanimously:
“That Council directs Administration to report back to Council with options for next steps regarding the City’s procurement practices and other decisions related to the national tariffs between the United States and Canada and to provide information on the provincial tariff roundtable.”
“This is just the start,” said Councillor Garth Frizzell, author of the resolution.
Administration has been tasked with working on a campaign to support buying local
