Special Bulletin: Stability in Uncertain Times

By Judy Dezell
Director Enterprise Centre, Business Partnerships & LAS

With ongoing uncertainty around U.S. trade policies, we want to assure you that our programs remain stable and secure. Thanks to our strong Canadian partnerships and contracts, we are well-positioned to continue supporting municipalities without disruption.

Municipal Advocacy in a Shifting Trade Landscape 

The Bank of Canada has indicated that the proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian imports could lead to supply chain disruptions, increased costs, and economic slowdowns. However, Ontario’s municipalities are stepping up to protect local economies. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is actively advocating for:

• A strong municipal role in Canada’s tariff response, particularly through procurement strategies.
• Federal and provincial investments to stabilize capital project costs, address housing needs, and offset potential economic slowdowns.
• Continued collaboration with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to present a united municipal voice on trade issues. 

LAS fully supports AMO’s advocacy efforts and will continue to work alongside Ontario’s municipalities to navigate these challenges and uncertainties.

LAS Programs Remain Secure 

The foundation of our programs is built on Canadian partnerships and strong local contracts. Our current vendor landscape reflects this:

• 83% of our partners are fully Canadian owned/operated or have Canadian offices.
• 100% of our partners have locations in Canada that employ Canadians and support local economies.
• Our procurements are conducted in accordance with applicable trade agreements and laws.

For LAS, it’s business as usual for our programs. Our vendors continue to provide stable, high-quality services, and we remain confident in our ability to support municipalities with cost-effective and reliable solutions.

Our Commitment Moving Forward

Our approach remains clear:

• Adhere to trade agreements while prioritizing Canadian companies and employees wherever possible.
• Stand with AMO in advocating for municipal interests at all levels of government.
• Remain committed to stable, cost-effective, and reliable solutions for municipalities.

We will continue to monitor trade developments and provide updates as needed. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership as we navigate these challenges with resilience, ensuring the continued strength of the municipal sector.