VANCOUVER, B.C. — Vancouver City Council has unanimously approved a motion inspired by Green Councillor Pete Fry’s call for urgent municipal action to protect local businesses and strengthen Vancouver’s economic resilience in response to threatened U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports.

The motion, Choose Canada, Tariffs and the Buy Local Imperative, was introduced as urgent new business and advanced to a Special Council meeting convened by the mayor to ensure timely action amid growing economic uncertainty.

“At a moment when Canada’s economy and sovereignty are being openly threatened, cities can’t sit on the sidelines,” said Councillor Fry. “Vancouver has a responsibility to act: to support local businesses, protect jobs, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with a Team Canada response.”

A Municipal Role in a National Moment

The motion responds to threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods, which economists warn could cost hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions in lost GDP. It also echoes calls from federal and provincial leaders urging Canadians to “choose Canada” and strengthen domestic supply chains.

Fry’s motion affirms Vancouver’s support for a coordinated national response and directs City staff to urgently review procurement practices, capital projects, and trade exposure to identify opportunities to prioritize buying local and buying Canadian.

“Every dollar spent locally goes further,” Fry said. “Independent businesses are the backbone of our neighbourhoods, and they’re exactly who gets hit first when trade shocks happen.”

Immediate Support for Local Businesses

As approved, the motion directs City staff to:

• Conduct a high-level review of City procurement and supplier exposure to prioritize Buy Local / Buy Canadian opportunities;
• Work with business and economic development organizations to launch a targeted Buy Local / Buy Canadian campaign;
• Establish an internal rapid-response roundtable to identify urgent actions the City can take if tariffs are imposed, including potential fee reductions, regulatory flexibility, and property tax deferrals for affected businesses.

Council also endorsed additional measures aimed at strengthening Vancouver’s competitiveness and economic resilience in the face of global uncertainty.

Unanimous Support Sends a Clear Signal

Council’s unanimous vote sends a strong message that Vancouver’s elected officials are prepared to act decisively to protect local jobs, businesses, and communities.

“This wasn’t about ideology, it was about readiness,” said Fry. “We can’t wait for the next economic shock to start planning. Vancouver chose to act early, act together, and act in the interests of our residents.”

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