Despite a ‘buy Canadian only movement’ amid a trade war with the U.S., staff at Kelowna City Hall are recommending council not amend its procurement bylaw to make it happen.
Possible amendments were first brought up by city councillor Ron Cannan in March.
But after a review of its procurement policy, a staff report recommends council stay with the status quo given the majority of its contracts are already being awarded to Canadian companies, many of them Okanagan-based including about 45 per cent in Kelowna.
According to the report, which will be presented to council on Monday, 97.529 per cent of the city’s purchases are Canadian and only 2.359 per cent are from the Unites States.
The report also outlines that if procurement changes were made, it could limit access to specialized services and goods that can’t be provided by Canadian firms.
In addition, the report states that excluding U.S. companies could drive up costs with fewer competing bids
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The Taxpayers Federation agrees with staff recommending the city stick with its current policy.
“Politicians need to be laser focused right now on providing the best possible value for taxpayer money and when most of what Kelowna buys is already Canadian, roughly 98 per cent, it doesn’t make sense blowing the city’s budget to try to find Canadian options,” said Carson Binda, B.C. director with the federation.
Cannan would not comment on the staff recommendation Friday, saying mayor Tom Dyas is the spokesperson.
However, in a statement to Global News, Kevin Franceschini, communications consultant for the mayor’s office, stated, “The Mayor does not comment on items before they are formally presented to Council. It is important that Council has the opportunity to review all relevant facts, receive legal and procedural clarity, and debate the matter at the Council table before any public comments are made.”
“I think I would prefer if we paid a little bit more and shopped Canadian,” said Kelowna resident Heather Muir.
“I wish we could buy all Canadian, but I don’t think we can actually,” said Michael Karabelas, another Kelowna resident.
The staff report will go before council on Monday.
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