NDP Introduces Buy Canadian Legislation

(Ottawa Business Journal)

A private member’s bill introduced Monday by the New Democrats would require the federal government to give priority to Canadian companies when purchasing goods and services. Bill C-392, known as the Made in Canada Act, makes exceptions for emergency purchases, cases where there are no Canadian bidders or if the procurement falls under international trade agreements.

“This bill will help build new markets for Canadian suppliers, strengthen sustainability and our environmental commitments, and encourage Canadian entrepreneurship,” said NDP MP Irene Mathyssen in a statement. The bill defines a Canadian product as one in which more than 50% of the total value is manufactured, produced or assembled in Canada.

Canadian politicians continue to voice concerns over “Buy American” provisions attached to U.S. stimulus legislation that are appearing in other pieces of legislation, such as funds for local governments to improve drinking water systems. Last week, Conservative Industry Minister Tony Clement said the measures are “of grave concern to Canada” and warned protectionist impulses could backfire on the U.S. economy.