The evolving tariff threats in Canada could have a significant impact right here in Lethbridge, says the City of Lethbridge.
“The City is committed to protecting our local economy by working with our regional partners to attract new investment, support continued growth and expansion and retain and support existing business.”
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce lists Lethbridge as the 10th most vulnerable Canadian city, out of 41, to potential U.S. tariffs. “This statistic measures the Census Metropolitan Area, which includes both the City and surrounding rural areas. The anticipated tariff impact on agriculture and manufacturing, as well as our proximity to the United States, increase the risk to our region.”
As an organization, the City spent approximately $2.5 million last year on goods and services from the U.S. “This represents less than four per cent of the City’s annual procurement spend.”
The City supports the Lethbridge Region Economic Resilience Task Force.
The recently-formed Task Force was created among regional partners. “The vision is to strengthen and diversify the economy of southwest Alberta, while building resilience in the business community that can withstand and thrive through disruption and protect our quality of life.”
The City is also responding by excluding U.S. suppliers from City procurements.
“Based on the provincial directive to prioritize the procurement of goods and services from Alberta companies, Canadian companies and countries that have a free trade agreement with Canada, the City is no longer accepting procurement contract bids from any U.S. suppliers of goods and services,” the City notes.
Other responses will include reviewing City operations. “City administration is reviewing City operating costs and revenues to forecast the impact of direct tariffs and indirect economic impacts to City operations. This includes reviewing revenue expectations, estimating cost increases on supplies and services from tariffs and counter tariffs and reducing non-essential expenditures.”
