Greater Sudbury council to consider motion on responding to U.S. tariff threats

Greater Sudbury city councillors will consider a motion Tuesday night to ask higher levels of government for guidance on buying non-American products in the face of American tariffs and tariff threats.

The motion also calls on the governments to provide stimulus funding to industries impacted by possible reciprocal tariffs.

"In the years ahead, the City of Greater Sudbury will be investing hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure repairs and new construction, including some of our community's largest projects," Mayor Paul Lefebvre said in a statement.

"However, under current regulations, municipalities have limited flexibility to ensure these investments directly benefit Canadian businesses and workers...This motion reflects our commitment to ensuring public investments create lasting benefits here at home."

Municipalities are required to obey international trade deals, such as the Canada U.S. Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) when purchasing, a spokesperson for the mayor explained.

But with the United States both imposing and threatening tariffs that violate the CUSMA, Greater Sudbury is asking for Ottawa and Queen's Park to clarify its obligations.

The mayor also called on residents to consider choosing Canadian-made products when making their own purchasing decisions.

"Every decision—big or small—helps build a stronger, more self-sufficient economy for the future," Lefebvre said.