SACKVILLE/FALL RIVER: HRM Mayor Andy Fillmore introduced a motion at Regional Council Sept. 15 to strengthen the municipality’s procurement response to ongoing U.S. tariff threats and trade restrictions.
The motion directs the Chief Administrative Officer to return to Regional Council by Oct. 27 with options to increase the existing 10 per cent weighted evaluation penalty applied to certain American bids for services, consulting, and goods.
“We cannot control the decisions being made in Washington, but we can control the choices we make here at City Hall,” said Mayor Fillmore.
“Municipal procurement is one of the tools available to us. We should be using it as effectively as possible to support Canadian businesses and workers.”
HRM currently applies a 10 per cent evaluation penalty to certain American bids. To date, that penalty has not changed the outcome of a municipal contract.
Meanwhile, the United States has escalated tariffs on Canadian goods and restricted Canadian companies from competing for many U.S. federal government contracts.
“When the rules of trade change, our response has to change with them,” added Mayor Fillmore. “Every dollar we spend should deliver good value for taxpayers while maximizing the economic benefit here at home.”
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The motion builds on Mayor Fillmore’s previous calls for governments to use the tools available to them to strengthen Canada’s economy in response to U.S. trade measures.
It is also the latest in a series of measures introduced by the Mayor aimed at supporting businesses and strengthening Halifax’s economy.
Earlier this year, Mayor Fillmore introduced motions directing staff to develop a formal mechanism for businesses to identify municipal red tape and barriers, and to review fees affecting business operations.
Both motions were unanimously approved by Regional Council, with staff reports expected back this fall.
“City Hall should be a partner in building a stronger economy,” said Mayor Fillmore. “That means reducing unnecessary barriers, keeping costs down where we can, and putting our purchasing power to work for Canadian businesses and workers.”
Regional Council unanimously approved Mayor Fillmore’s motion at the meeting.
