March 20, 2025

Bluewater District School Board passes motion on procurement of Canadian products

Photo: Nataliya Vaitkevich/Social Soup Social Media

In light of the volatile trade situation that is currently unfolding between Canada and the United States, Bluewater District School Board is joining the growing movement to buy Canadian whenever possible.

At the Regular Meeting of the Board on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Vice-Chair Jan Johnstone brought forward the following motion, which passed unanimously:

Whereas Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) is a Canadian entity that prioritizes supporting domestic industries and economic stability; Whereas recent trade policies have created challenges that may negatively impact fair and reciprocal trade between Canada and the United States;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT BWDSB evaluate and implement measures to prioritize the procurement of Canadian products wherever feasible, and to immediately transition away from purchasing from American Suppliers as defined by Supply Ontario, where viable;

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board send a letter to the Minister of Education requesting that similar procurement measures be considered and implemented province wide.

“As publicly elected representatives, we have a duty as trustees to show leadership in our communities by standing up and mobilizing our support during difficult times,” says Vice-Chair Johnstone.

“While our board already does a lot to buy domestically, it is especially important now for us to prioritize our local businesses, and those within Ontario and Canada,” says Chair Jane Thomson.

 

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