Ontario town to bar U.S. businesses from bidding on local contracts [Video]

The Town of Whitby has amended its procurement by-law to “prioritize” the purchase of goods and services from Canadian suppliers and restrict American businesses from bidding on town contracts.

Whitby Town Council unanimously supported the changes at Monday’s Committee of the Whole meeting, as a response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs, with final approval expected on April 28.

The amendment builds on the Town’s previous actions taken to minimize the impacts of Trump’s tariffs, protect the local economy and keep jobs, said Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy.

“Whitby’s economy is built on the strength of our local businesses and workers. These by-law changes send a clear message: we stand with Canadian and local businesses and we’re taking decisive action to protect jobs and our local economy,” Roy said. “We will continue to explore every available tool to support our business community through these challenges.”

The by-law updates align with the …