Miller doesn't back Buy Canuck planBy BRETT CLARKSON, SUN MEDIA
Mayor David Miller is no supporter of a resolution by Canadian municipalities that would retaliate against the Obama Administration's "Buy American" policy by potentially shutting out U.S. bidders from city contracts.
Delegates at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) conference narrowly passed the resolution 189 -- 175. Miller was in the nay category.
"I didn't support it," Miller said by phone from Whistler, B.C., where the conference is taking place. "Two reasons -- first of all the resolution called for municipalities to retaliate against the United States. And I don't think that's the way to work with our largest trading partner, particularly not in southern Ontario, where the auto industry is so interconnected.
"Secondly, the resolution didn't talk about being proactive," Miller added. "The TTC, for example, has really important 'Buy Canada' policies. It means our subway cars and streetcars are built Canadian in Thunder Bay.
I BELIEVE THE CONTRACT ONLY OBLIGATED THE MANUFACTURER TO 25% cANADIAN cONTENT.
"Without the retaliation and with some pro-active Buy Canada provisions, I would've been happy to support it."
But FCM president and Sherbrooke Mayor Jean Perrault said support from cities and towns toward the resolution will help strengthen Prime Minister Stephen Harper's hand as he lobbies the U.S. for relief from the "Buy American" provisions in U.S. President Barack Obama's stimulus bill.
In order to appease some members concerned about the impact of a retaliatory policy, delegates also voted to hold off on any action for 120 days.
BRETT.CLARKSON@SUNMEDIA.CA
1 comment:
ok. Let me get this straight.
Harper sells out the lumber industry and literally, hands over a BILLION dollars to the US. Even though, it was ruled legally, that money was ours.
And now, you expect people to believe, that Harper is going to fight and retaliate???
Oh my, you truly, are incredibly GULLIBLE.
You have zero credibility old man. ZERO.
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