WHEREAS Canada is a sovereign nation with a peaceful history of self-governance dating back to its Confederation in 1867, and our identity is marked by a deep-rooted pride in its heritage and culture, founded by French and British settlement, enriched by Indigenous culture and traditions, and strengthened by more than a century and a half of multicultural immigration; and
WHEREAS trade between Ontario and the United States is crucial for our residents and local economies, requiring cooperation at all levels of government; and
WHEREAS the U.S. has recently escalated trade tensions by imposing new 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, including steel and aluminum, as well as 10% tariffs on energy exports; and
WHEREAS the Association of Municipalities of Ontario estimates that Ontario municipalities are expected to spend between $250 and $290 billion on infrastructure over the next decade, meaning that any restrictions or tariffs on Canadian suppliers could significantly impact procurement costs and local economies; and
WHEREAS Ontario municipalities have traditionally treated trade partners equally and fairly in all procurements in accordance with our established international trade treaties; and
WHEREAS municipalities play a crucial role as part of the Team Canada approach to combat tariffs and support businesses in our procurement for capital and infrastructure programs but now face rising costs and uncertainty due to U.S. tariffs and retaliatory countermeasures; and
WHEREAS the Government of Canada, has introduced a 25% counter-tariffs on $30 billion worth of U.S. imports; and
WHEREAS there remain significant trade barriers between Canadian provinces and territories, limiting economic opportunities for Canada;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Town of Carleton Place supports and echoes the motion passed by Lanark County on this matter; and
THAT the Town of Carleton Place stands with Team Canada in its efforts to combat unfair trade barriers and support local economies; and
THAT the Town of Carleton Place shall, within the framework of existing trade agreements, adopt a “Buy Canadian” approach for routine and regular purchases; and
THAT the Town of Carleton Place supports the reciprocal measures taken by the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario; and
THAT the Town of Carleton Place requests that the Canadian and Ontario governments remove any impediments preventing municipalities from preferring Canadian companies and services for capital projects and other municipal procurement needs; and
THAT the Town of Carleton Place urges the federal and provincial governments to take concrete action to remove trade barriers between provinces and territories, thereby fostering a stronger internal Canadian economy; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to:
- Prime Minister Mark Carney;
- Ontario Premier Doug Ford;
- Member of Parliament Scott Reid;
- Member of Provincial Parliament John Jordan;
- The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM);
- The Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA); and
- The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).