London-area conservation authority hones in on ‘Buy Canadian’ movement [Video]

Buying local and Canadian may be a good way to show support for Canada in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff and annexation threats, but it’s also just good for the environment, one London-area conversation authority says.

Next week, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority’s (UTRCA) board of directors will discuss changing the agency’s purchasing policies to encourage staff to choose local when contracting goods and services.

“The UTRCA prefers local supply,” the recommendation reads.

“Being an environmental organization, it’s been part of our normal practice and our purchasing regulations to look locally,” said Tracy Annett, UTRCA’s general manager. Shorter delivery distances means a reduced environmental impact.

But as the Canadian economy braces for U.S. tariffs, and reciprocal Canadian tariffs, emphasizing that local sourcing strategy has taken on a whole new importance.

“We have a number of member municipalities in our watershed. Almost all are councillors that sit around our boardroom table to make these decisions, and all are hearing these same …