City of Kamloops evaluating options in the face of potential US tariffs

KAMLOOPS — Canada has received a brief reprieve from proposed 25 per cent tariffs with the U.S. government now saying it will implement them in March.

Despite the delay, the City of Kamloops is preparing an in-depth look into contracts and procurement processes, while also suspending all staff travel to the United States. The city will review current city vendors based in the U.S., current purchase orders and explore options to substitute American goods with Canadian alternatives.

“We have two fire trucks that are on the way, so the cab and chassis is not, at this point, subject to a potential tariff. However, the tires are,” explained Director of Corporate Services David Hallinan at council’s regular meeting Tuesday (Feb. 4). “And that is the level of complexity that we are starting to look at right now in terms of what are we getting, what are we seeing and where are things and items coming from. We are definitely taking a look at how to we make certain we are we able to source from Canadian organizations with Canadian products.”