County Council Updates: March 12, 2025

For immediate release
March 12, 2025

Here are the highlights from the Lanark County Council meeting held March 12, 2025.

Resolution Passed to Support Team Canada Approach: Lanark County Council has passed a resolution in response to the United States tariffs on Canadian goods that supports the Team Canada approach and asks the Canadian and Ontario governments to remove impediments related to procurement and inter-provincial trade barriers.

The resolution notes the 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods and 10 per cent on Canadian energy exports and recognizes the importance of trade between Ontario and the U.S. for local economies, requiring all levels of government to work together in the best interest of residents. Association of Municipalities of Ontario data shows Ontario municipalities are expected to spend between $250 and $290 billion on infrastructure in the next 10 years. “Ontario municipalities have traditionally treated trade partners equally and fairly in all procurements in accordance with our established international trade treaties,” the resolution states, adding municipalities play a crucial
role as part of the Team Canada approach to combatting tariffs and supporting businesses in procurement for capital and infrastructure programs.

Due to the trade barriers, Lanark County resolves to stand with Team Canada and “immediately institute a ‘Buy Canadian’ approach with routine and regular purchases within the mandate of existing trade agreements” and to support the Canadian and Ontario governments’ measures in response to the tariffs on Canadian goods.

The county is asking the Canadian and Ontario governments to remove any impediments to municipalities preferring Canadian companies and services for capital projects and other supplies, and to take action to remove trade barriers between provinces as a response to U.S. tariffs and support Canadian businesses. The motion will be widely circulated.

For more information, contact Jasmin Ralph, Clerk, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1502.

Upcoming Meetings: County Council, Wednesday, March 26, 5 p.m.; Public Works, March 26 (following County Council); Economic Development, March 26 (following Public Works). County Council, Wednesday, April 9, 5 p.m.; Community Services, April 9 (following County Council); Corporate Services, April 9 (following Community Services). Watch for details about public access to meetings on agendas and through online notifications. For more information, contact 1-888-9LANARK, ext. 1502.