Buy Canada

The Ford government says there could be consequences if municipalities do not follow the province’s procurement policies.

The policy requires them to seek goods and services in Ontario first before looking elsewhere.

In the letter to municipalities, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Rob Flack, warns that they could risk losing provincial money if they do not comply.

He states that it also makes a difference in preventing an Ontario company from closing its doors or laying off staff.

“In the case of these unprecedented economic attacks against our province and country, we all have a responsibility to do everything within our control to protect our workers and communities,” writes Flack.

Premier Doug Ford defends the letter, calling it a reminder.

“It’s a shame that he had to even put that out after saying it about 10 million times. Get with the program. Buy Canadian,” says Ford.

He noted that there have already been incidents where public sector projects have been reaching out to U.S.-based firms before looking to Ontario.

“We have a school that we are funding and building, believe it or not, going out, and these architects and engineers, which we have fabulous architects and engineers, but one of them thought it was a bright idea to get the bricks from the US. We have brick companies right here,” says Ford.