On Feb. 18, View Royal committed to curbing its consumption of American goods.
A council motion passed unanimously, calling on the town to change its purchasing policy to prevent it from purchasing American products, if the same or similar items are available elsewhere.
“It’s important to make this statement ... to do our small part to encourage Canadian entrepreneurs, businesses and employment,” said Coun. Don Brown, who submitted the motion.
Other municipalities across the province have made similar moves, following President Donald Trump’s Feb. 1 announcement that the U.S. would levy a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods. Since then, however, implementation of the tariff has been paused until March 4.
“Even if it costs us more, we need to put our money where our mouth is,” said Coun. Ron Mattson. “Unless we tell The Donald that we’re serious, why would anyone? We’d just be letting him get away with it.”
The motion includes language, however, that would allow View Royal to purchase some American goods, when an item is required for operational purposes in the case of an emergency.
Mayor Sid Tobias noted the policy shift also doesn't prevent the town from purchasing American services. In response, Brown said he would welcome an amendment.
Though council was in support of the motion, Coun. Alison MacKenzie expressed concerns about how it could affect the cost of items View Royal decides to buy.
"In the past, we've purchased second-hand vehicles from the States because they're available and they're cheaper than here," she said. "I'm all on board for this, but if it's going to result in a much higher cost for one of our big purchases, I guess I would want that balanced out, too."
Tobias noted that, in cases like these, staff would conduct a request for proposal before View Royal makes large purchases.
Coun. John Rogers conveyed concerns, too.
"We have to recognize this is probably going to cost ... and that will translate to some impact on the taxpayers," he said.
Of the town's budget in 2024, Brown said just 30 per cent was allocated to the purchase of goods and services, adding that View Royal's move alone won't affect the U.S.'s upcoming tariff decision. Still, he is confident that municipalities across the country can have a real, measurable impact together.
“Everyone does their own little bit [and] it all adds up to a lot,” he said.
