Published 10 hours ago • loading... • Updated 9 hours ago
Buy Canadian campaign announcement made by David Eby at Lower Mainland stop
The plan would require Crown corporations and agencies to choose Canadian suppliers when bids are competitive and direct BC Hydro to use Canadian steel.
On Thursday, British Columbia NDP Leader David Eby announced a 'Built in B.C. and Canada' procurement plan at the IUOE 115 Training Centre, requiring Crown corporations to prioritize domestic suppliers for public infrastructure projects.
Eby cited attacks by President Donald Trump and the White House administration on prices and workers as the catalyst, arguing British Columbia must leverage public spending to protect local jobs during the trade war.
BC Hydro will direct the North Coast Transmission Line to source 70 per cent of Phase 1 steel and 100 per cent of Phase 2 steel from Canadian suppliers, with penalties applying to U.S.-made materials.
USW Western Canada Director Scott Lunny welcomed the commitment to support local production, while Eby claimed BC Conservative MLAs would have 'comply' with Trump's demands, alleging their cuts would threaten provincial projects.
Legislation will mandate that Crown corporations select Canadian suppliers when bids are within range of American competitors, while the government encourages municipalities to adopt similar procurement approaches for local infrastructure.