Niagara-on-the-Lake councillors want to focus on supporting Canadian goods and services amid the tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. 

On Feb. 1, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods effective Feb. 4, which have since been delayed into March. 

In response, Coun. Sandra O’Connor put forth a motion during Tuesday night’s council meeting aiming to put more support behind Canadian-made goods and services, which was passed unanimously.

The motion asks federal and provincial governments to “remove any impediments” to municipalities preferring to purchase from Canadian companies for capital projects and supplies.

The motion creates a temporary policy that prioritizes Canadian-made goods and services where possible.

According to the motion, “all else being equal, preference will be given to purchase goods and/or services firstly from Niagara-on-the-Lake based businesses, secondly from businesses located in the Region of Niagara and thirdly from Ontario owned businesses.”

The city of Welland introduced a similar rule earlier this month. 

“We can support our sovereignty as a nation, our borders that our ancestors fought for in 1812 and protect Canadian jobs,” O’Connor said. 

Coun. Gary Burroughs suggested reaching out to NOTL businesses to acknowledge the work that is being done. 

“We understand there’s challenges and we’re there for them,” he said. 

Coun. Erwin Wiens noted Canada and the United States have had a great relationship from 1814 up until now.

“Will we sunset this if the relationship changes in four years?” Wiens asked. 

O’Connor said things change and motions can change, so it will be kept into consideration.

“It’s our economy and we’re about to have our economy attacked, so I just want to make sure we can pivot later on if we need to,” Wiens said. 

Copies of the motion are to be sent to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier Doug Ford and other government officials.

juliasacco@niagaranow.com