City of Brockville moves forward with ‘Canada Preferred’ procurement policy

In a move aimed at supporting Canadian businesses while maintaining compliance with trade agreements, the City of Brockville has adopted a “Canada Preferred” approach in its procurement policy. This decision follows the recommendations outlined in a staff report presented to the General Committee on March 18. 

The report, prepared by Lynda Ferguson, Director of Finance & IT Services, and Emily Wood, Procurement Contracting & Risk Management, was developed in response to a directive from the Council to change the verbiage from “Canada First” to “Canada Preferred.” This discussion took place at the Feb. 25 council meeting.

The ​​updated procurement policy was set in motion to explore ways to prioritize Canadian goods and services in light of the ongoing trade war affecting Canadian citizens and businesses. 

The report highlights that within certain thresholds set by CETA—$340,600 for goods and services and $8.5 million for construction—the City of Brockville is permitted to introduce preferences for Canadian suppliers but cannot breach trade obligations.

With that in mind, staff recommend the following amendments to the updated procurement policy:

    •    The ability to restrict tendering to Canadian goods, services, or suppliers for procurements below the CETA thresholds.

    •   The option to rank proposals based on a defined preference for Canadian goods and services.

    •   Allowing preference for Canadian-manufactured, produced, or supplied goods in cooperative procurement programs (provided costs remain within approved budgets).

    •    Inclusion of a Canadian value-added criterion in Request for Proposals , contributing up to 10 per cent of the total evaluation score. 

  •   A requirement for suppliers to provide certificates of origin for goods designated as Canadian.

Brockville City Council unanimously approved the suggested Canada Preferred Procurement.