Notice of Motion

Moved by: Councillor Kieran McKenzie
Seconded by: ________________________

WHEREAS the City of Windsor recognizes the importance of international trade to the local economy, with thousands of jobs directly tied to industries such as automotive manufacturing, agriculture, and steel production; and, 

WHEREAS Windsor is a cornerstone of Canada's automotive sector, home to major manufacturing plants, auto parts suppliers, and a highly skilled workforce whose livelihoods depend on an integrated North American supply chain; and, 

WHEREAS the deeply interconnected economies of Canada and the United States have fostered a mutually beneficial relationship, with bilateral trade supporting millions of jobs, driving innovation, and ensuring the competitiveness of industries like automotive manufacturing on both sides of the border; and, 

WHEREAS the imposition of tariffs by the United States on Canadian goods, including steel, aluminum, and other products, poses a significant threat to the automotive industry, jeopardizing jobs not only in Windsor but also in Detroit and other manufacturing hubs in both countries; and, 

WHEREAS retaliatory tariffs and trade barriers undermine decades of economic cooperation, destabilizing businesses and creating unnecessary hardship for workers whose jobs rely on cross-border supply chains, joint ventures, and market stability; and, 

WHEREAS Windsor's economy relies heavily on cross-border trade, with the Ambassador Bridge and the soon-to-be operational Gordie Howe International Bridge serving as critical conduits for the flow of goods, services, and commerce, including the transport of automotive parts essential to just-in-time manufacturing systems; and, 

WHEREAS both Canada and the United States have invested massive amounts of capital dollars in cross-border infrastructure with the express purpose of strengthening the bi-lateral trade relationship between Canada and the United States; and therefore, 

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Windsor formally OPPOSES the imposition of destructive and unwarranted tariffs by the United States on Canadian goods and calls upon the federal and provincial governments to continue advocating for free and fair trade; and, 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the City of Windsor URGES both the Canadian and United States governments to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve trade disputes and strengthen bilateral trade relationships, with a particular focus on protecting the automotive sector and its workers; and, 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the City of Windsor ENDORSE the federal and provincial call for a 'Buy Canadian' policy for all municipal procurement processes, prioritizing Canadian-made goods and services wherever feasible to support local and domestic businesses and workers; and, 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the City of Windsor CALLS UPON both the federal and provincial governments to remove any impediments to municipalities preferring Canadian companies in the context of municipal procurement; and, 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this resolution BE FORWARDED to the Prime Minister of Canada, the Premier of Ontario, the County of Essex, local Members of Parliament and Members of Provincial Parliament, the United States Ambassador to Canada, and the Mayor and Council of the City of Detroit; the Governor of the State of Michigan and both United States Senators for the State of Michigan; and, 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT the City of Windsor REAFFIRMS its commitment to fostering economic prosperity through collaboration, trade, and cross-border partnerships.

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