A divided Thorold City Council is set to vote on whether to adopt a “Buy Canadian” procurement strategy that would give preference to Canadian-made goods and services.
The proposed policy would update the city’s current procurement rules, which haven’t been revised since 2013 and don’t include any specific preference for Canadian products.
Supporters of the policy argue it would boost Canadian businesses and create jobs while reducing dependence on foreign supply chains.
Supporting local businesses strengthens our economy, creates employment opportunities, and builds more resilient supply networks right here at home.
They point to similar measures recently adopted by neighboring municipalities St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake, both of which approved “Canada First” purchasing policies in 2025.
“This is about supporting our own economy and ensuring taxpayer dollars stay in Canada whenever possible,” said one councilor who favors the change.
Opponents worry the policy might raise costs for taxpayers and limit competition.
They’ve also raised concerns about how to properly define “Canadian-made” products and the potential administrative burden of verifying Canadian content.
“We need to make sure we’re getting the best value for our residents, not just the most Canadian option,” argued a councilor against the proposal.
The current vote won’t implement the policy immediately but would direct city staff to prepare a detailed report analyzing potential economic and administrative impacts.
This approach mirrors the process followed by other municipalities in the region.
Any new policy would need to comply with interprovincial trade agreements and Ontario’s Discriminatory Business Practices Act, which places limits on procurement preferences.
Legal experts note that careful wording will be essential to avoid potential challenges.
Thorold’s existing procurement policy covers purchases over $10,000 and aims for best value rather than simply choosing the lowest price.
If approved, the new policy would be implemented through the Biddingo e-bidding platform, which currently serves as the City’s procurement portal for solicitation documents and bid submissions.
If council approves the motion, staff will develop a formal policy proposal after studying the impacts and possibly conducting public consultation.
A final council debate and vote would follow in the coming months, determining whether Thorold joins the growing list of Ontario municipalities with Canadian preference in their purchasing rules.
To follow municipal decisions and policy changes across the region, head to Marketplace Niagara.
