Council to weigh reducing reliance on U.S. suppliers amid tariff dispute
Posted Mar 24, 2025 04:46:27 AM.
Last Updated Mar 25, 2025 10:51:55 AM.
Regional council is expected to take a closer look at options for reducing reliance on American businesses, goods and services amid the ongoing tariff war.
Early last month, regional council approved a motion from Coun. Shawn Cleary calling for an expedited staff report on shifting away from U.S. suppliers.
That report is scheduled to come to council tomorrow.
In it, staff say that much of HRM’s supply chain is based in Canada, with the exception of contracts with American firms for bus parts and streetlight management.
The report says it would be extremely challenging to shift contracts to non-U.S. suppliers and, in many cases, would lead to price increases beyond the municipality’s ability to avoid retendering.
Overall, staff say eliminating U.S. suppliers would be an expensive proposition.
Councillors will discuss the report Tuesday.
