Is it possible for cities to split from U.S. businesses? In Hamilton, staff say it’s complicated but doable [Video]

Like other Ontario municipalities, the City of Hamilton is looking to stop buying goods and services from American companies during the newly launched trade war. But the process is proving to be more complicated than a simple, sweeping ban, city staff say. 

Procurement staff told Hamilton council on Wednesday that they’re working on definitions — such as what makes a company or a good “local” — and possible exemptions, as well as to understand tariff impacts on city operations. 

“There may still be some interest to continue to buy outside of local, outside of Canada,” said Mike Zegarac, general manager of finance. 

That’s not what some councillors wanted to hear the day after U.S. President Donald Trump placed 25 per cent tariffs on all Canadian goods, with more levies possibly coming for steel and aluminum later this month.