Tillsonburg supports Buy Canadian movement

Jeff Helsdon, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A motion passed by Tillsonburg council throws the town’s support behind the Team Canada movement and calls for the town to buy Canadian whenever possible.

Introduced by Coun. Kelly Spencer, and seconded by Deputy Mayor Dave Beres, the motion speaks to the impacts of American tariffs on Canada, and that the municipality can assist combating tariffs by supporting Canadian businesses in its procurement for capital and infrastructure programs. It directs town staff to ensure bidding and contract language is utilized to rely on Canadian companies where possible.

“This motion is supporting that we as a municipality can do our part as well as supporting local businesses,” Spencer said during the meeting.

She explained in a later interview that the motion was similar to one many municipalities have passed.

“It was introduced by Deputy Mayor Beres and myself, in consultation with staff, to ensure alignment with our purchasing policies,” she said. “The goal is to prioritize supporting Canadian businesses whenever possible.”

Coun. Chris Parker asked if the municipality will have to look at its procurement policy fi the motion passes. Director of Finance Renato Pullia said as long as the tender is below the spending levels requiring by trade agreements, there is no need to amend the purchasing policy.

Answering a question from Mayor Deb Gilvesy about how much local companies rely on the American market, Development Commissioner Cephas Panschow said there are roughly 3,000 jobs tied companies that do business in the United States, or about 30 per cent of jobs.

“The U.S., notwithstanding some of the acrimony in the media these days, is an important trading partner for Tillsonburg companies and Tillsonburg manufacturers,” he said.

Gilvesy asked if he had recommendations on how the town could aid local businesses. He suggested buying local, and that local businesses aren’t taking full advantage of European trade agreements.

“Ultimately we are an hour-and-a-half to two hours from the border so logistically trade is easy with the U.S. versus trying to get on an ocean liner across the ocean,” Gilvesy said.

Parker, who voted against the motion in a recorded vote, said he works in the auto industry and wouldn’t be supporting it.

“This is more of a symbolic gesture than it is anything else,” he said. “I do agree the federal government and the provincial government is where these discussions need to be had. These are the people negotiating with the U.S. We need to look to make sure we are taking care of our companies in town first.”

In a recorded vote, the motion passed with Spencer, Beres, Coun. Pete Luciani, Coun. Bob Parsons and Gilvesy voting for it and Parker and Coun. Chris Rosehart voting against it.

Spencer later said she has already heard of the impacts locally.

“In discussions with a couple local business owners, one shared how they’ve had to adjust and explore new opportunities for trade,” she said. “Another mentioned that the town's website page on tariff support has been a valuable resource.”

The web site is available at https://www.tillsonburg.ca/business-and-development/invest-in-tillsonburg/business-support/tariff-support/