Current Issues

US Tariffs and the Trade War

The trade war has caused considerable uncertainty for local governments, and UBCM is working to provide resources for our members to have the information they need in order to respond.

Economic Impacts of Tariffs UBCM contracted Oxford Economics to develop modelling of the potential impacts of the United States’ approach to applying tariffs to Canadian goods. The report studies both the national impacts of the tariffs along with those unique to British Columbia. It also models the impact of stimulus infrastructure funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of BC. Our modelling shows that stimulus funding could blunt some of the economic impacts and job losses anticipated with the trade war. Image

Procurement Policies Local governments are looking for guidance about potential amendments to their procurement policies in response to tariffs imposed by the United States. Some are considering "buy Canadian" policies, while others may be considering policies which exclude US suppliers from consideration. UBCM commissioned a report from our solicitor that outlines general information for local governments to consider when making such amendments. Image