The Ontario government has expressed its opposition to an executive order issued by U.S. President Joe Biden.
The day after Biden signed an executive order to increase federal funding for American companies, Ontario's Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade, Vic Fedeli, expressed concern over how it would affect trade with Ontario and the rest of Canada.
"The Ontario government is disappointed that the U.S. administration has chosen to move ahead with a new executive order on 'Buy American' which would restrict access to the U.S. government procurement," said Fedeli. "We are concerned with what these measures could mean for Ontario workers, families and businesses who rely on the U.S.-Ontario trading relationship."
Fedeli pointed out that if Ontario was an independent country, it would be the U.S.' third-largest trading partner. Trade and jobs on both sides of the Ontario-U.S. border are about $400-billion a year.
The signing of the "Buy American" executive order was the fulfillment of a campaign promise made by Biden. NBC News reports that the order toughens up requirements concerning the purchasing of products from American companies. Biden's predecessor, Donald Trump, had ordered a similar directive that was loosely enforced.
But Fedeli is concerned that the order will adversely affect supply chains of goods between the U.S. and Ontario, and the province has already set up procurements arrangements with some U.S. states.
"Our government will continue to call on our federal government to ensure Canada is exempt from any 'Buy American' provisions, and instead advocate for a 'Buy North American' approach," said Fedeli. "We will continue to highlight the costs of 'Buy American' measures to businesses on both sides of the border and work tirelessly to ensure a stable and competitive business environment that creates jobs, opportunity, and growth."