Whereas, the City of Burlington opposes Buy American Policies and other punitive trade legislation; and
Whereas, the Buy American Policies have had negative impacts on local Canadian Industries and Municipalities; and
Whereas, their impacts have negatively affected Canadian Municipalities and their economies and families; and
Whereas, NAFTA governs nearly every aspect of Canada and the U.S. economic relationship and even minor changes to the established trade relationship could have far-reaching consequences for communities on both sides of the border; and
Whereas, recent trade disputes with the U.S. on softwood lumber and potential tariffs on other commodities has caused business uncertainty and impacted local economies; and
Whereas, Canada's economic future and the continued well-being of communities and their local economies depend on free and fair-trading relationships based on current and future international agreements; and
Whereas, the recent imposition by the United States Government of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, purportedly based on national security grounds, are an affront to the decades long alliance between Canada and the United States; and
Whereas, given the actions of the United States Government, it is imperative that Municipalities and individual Canadian businesses and citizens, as consumers of goods and services, take proactive action to support and protect Canadian interests.
Therefore be it resolved, that the City of Burlington supports the recent resolution passed by FCM to continue to work with the federal government to support the interests of municipalities across Canada affected by trade disputes and during ongoing trade agreement negotiations; and
Further that the Council for the City of Burlington continues to support free and fair trade and opposes restrictive trade practices; and
Further that the City of Burlington stands with those Municipalities, Employers, Families who may be impacted by the latest tariffs imposed by the United States Government; and
Therefore be it resolved
(a) That the City of Burlington strongly supports the above resolution, respecting Opposition to Buy American Policies and the tariffs recently imposed by the United States Government; and
(b) That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Premier, Halton MP's, MPP's, Federal Opposition Leaders, FCM, and AMO.