Council to consider establishing tariff working group to help Kingston businesses

Photo: MBC News File Photo

The motion is expected to be presented at Tuesday's Council meeting.

Kingston City Council is looking to help local businesses deal with the tariffs imposed on Canadian-made goods by the US government.

There is a motion by Mayor Bryan Paterson that is being presented at Tuesday's meeting to re-enforce their Buy Local, Buy Canadian message.

It recommends that a tariff working group be formed made up of representatives from the local business community, community partners and organizations. They would be tasked to identify strategies, coordinate communications efforts, share information and best practices, and collaborate on advocacy efforts to support Kingston’s businesses.

The motion also would direct staff to work with organizations like the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce, Kingston Economic Development Corporation, and the Downtown Kingston BIA in helping promote local businesses.

It also recommends staff work with other major local employers to explore joint procurement possibilities and opportunities to prioritize local, Ontario and Canadian suppliers and products.

Paterson's motion says the City can lead by example to encourage and promote businesses in Kingston.

Story by Ken Hashizume

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