City of Courtenay prioritizing Canadian goods and services

Council directs staff to support “Team Canada” approach

Courtenay Council has directed City staff to prioritize the purchase of Canadian-made goods and services wherever possible in response to U.S. tariffs, and is encouraging the efforts of residents and businesses to buy Canadian as well.

To support this movement, the City is engaging with local business organizations to promote initiatives supporting Canadian businesses and local employment, and connecting with other local and regional governments in the Comox Valley.

“There is an amazing groundswell of support for Canadian goods and services, and the City of Courtenay looks forward to contributing to this movement in any way we can,” said Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells. “We want know if there are other ways the City could support this collective ‘buy local’ movement, so we’ve been making connections within the community and having some really productive conversations. These include regular meetings with MPs, MLAs and local leaders since the tariff roller coaster started. It’s great to see so many people with their ‘elbows up’ and unified behind this common cause.”

The City’s tariff response was raised through a motion at the March 12, 2025 Council meeting, with Council directing staff to report back on the impacts of prioritizing Canadian-made goods and services in current and upcoming municipal procurement and contracts, provided they meet financial and operating requirements.

“According to staff, the vast majority of the goods and services the City buys are Canadian, and many of these are local suppliers as well,” said Mayor Wells. “When dollars are spent locally, more of that money gets re-invested in our community.” 

Courtenay’s response to U.S. tariffs is supported by City’s procurement policy. Updated in early 2023, the policy includes specific guidance on the value of local contracts, employment and training, including living wage provisions and apprenticeship opportunities. To view current bid opportunities, visit www.courtenay.ca/bids