We Demand the City of Kelowna Change Its Procurement Policy to Ban U.S. Companies from Bidding on and Being Awarded City Contracts.

The City of Kelowna allows U.S. companies to bid on, and win, city contracts. This weakens our local economy, workers, and taxpayers. Other Canadian cities have already acted. Vancouver, Toronto, Mississauga, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Hamilton, and Quebec City have adopted policies to protect local businesses and create jobs by restricting U.S. companies from municipal contracts.

On March 3, 2025, the City Manager approved and submitted a report to the Mayor and Council with recommendations for an organizational response to recent tariff threats from the United States. In this report, they recommended "NOT implementing a restrictive Canadian-only policy."

The City of Kelowna's response is concerning and appears out of step with public sentiment. Leaders at all levels of government are calling on Canadians to stand united in response to the ongoing trade war. Provinces and cities across the country are increasingly taking action. Viewing this decision from a purely operational lens overlooks important economic and political considerations. With Canadian businesses already facing significant pressure, failing to respond leaves Kelowna vulnerable. It’s essential that decisions of this nature reflect the broader realities of the trade environment,  impact on our local economy, and, in fact, potentially even our sovereignty. 

Why this matters:

Local Jobs: U.S. companies securing city contracts means fewer jobs for Canadians.
Economic Impact: Local businesses lose when taxpayer dollars are spent outside Canada.
Political Responsibility: Dismissing this issue as an "operational" decision is a failure to consider the wider economic and political impact. Kelowna must prioritize its own people and businesses during this trade crisis.

Kelowna must act. It’s time to adopt a “No USA policy” for municipal contracts. In the middle of a trade war, we must put Canada first.

Sign this petition today to demand action from Kelowna City Council and Mayor Tom Dyas. Stand with local businesses and protect Kelowna’s future.