Bid documents for City of Burnaby contracts have started to include a "buy Canadian" provision in the wake of tariff threats from American President Donald Trump.
The latest example is a request for proposal published Thursday for companies who want to supply, deliver and maintain the city's firefighter turnout gear – the protective jackets, pants and boots firefighters wear when responding to fires and other emergencies.
The document directs prospective suppliers to provide a list of all major suppliers, manufacturers and service providers they would use – "including their country of origin and whether they are based in the United States."
"The City of Burnaby encourages proponents to buy Canadian," the document states.
The city has started adding a "buy Canadian" provision to all its publicly advertised contracts, where feasible, according to public affairs officer Cole Wagner.
"At this moment, the intention is to start learning where our contracted vendors are sourcing their goods and services from and encouraging them to buy Canadian where possible," Wagner said in an emailed statement. "Staff will continue to follow direction from council until directed otherwise."
City council passed a motion at a special meeting on Feb. 4 directing staff to implement a "buy local and buy Canadian" approach.
Introduced by Mayor Mike Hurley, the motion directed staff to report back on potential ways to change the city's procurement policies and practices "where feasible and in accordance with trade agreements and best value principles."
"Municipalities have a responsibility to support Canadian businesses and workers by ensuring procurement practices prioritize local economic development where permitted under trade agreements," Hurley said.
He said the city was "ready to stand up against bullies."
The Burnaby Fire Department operates eight fire stations and employs approximately 327 uniformed staff who need station and work uniforms, according to the RFP.
Follow Cornelia Naylor on X/Twitter @CorNaylor
Email [email protected]
