Peterborough city council has endorsed a report outlining changes to Peterborough’s procurement practices in response to ongoing Canada-U.S. trade tensions, including new measures aimed at strengthening the local economy and shielding residents from the impact of American tariffs.
The report recommends a temporary increase in the weighting of the Social Value Questionnaire in RFP and RFSQ evaluations — from a minimum of 5 per cent to 10 per cent — to prioritize local presence, local knowledge, and social or sustainable business practices.
Other recommendations include halting all non-essential City travel to the U.S. and embedding a sustainability lens into procurement decisions across all departments.
Staff are also directed to prioritize local, diverse, and sustainable vendors through the City’s Vendor Registry for purchases under $10,000, and to include at least one qualifying local or diverse business in invitational solicitations for purchases between $10,000 and $100,000.
City officials stress that a “buy Canadian” approach aligns better with international trade obligations than a strict “avoid American” strategy, noting many U.S.-owned businesses employ Canadians locally.
As part of its 2025 Economic Development Strategy, the City will consult with local businesses and stakeholders to build economic resilience against external disruptions and trade-related challenges.
