​Bluewater school board to procure Canadian products, where possible

In light of the volatile trade situation that is currently unfolding between Canada and the United States, the Bluewater District School Board is joining the growing movement to buy Canadian, where possible.

At the regular board meeting Tuesday (March 18) vice-chairperson Jan Johnstone, trustee for Kincardine and Huron-Kinloss, brought forward a motion for the board to evaluate and implement measures to prioritize the procurement of Canadian products, wherever feasible, and to immediately transition away from purchasing from American suppliers as defined by Supply Ontario, where viable.

The board also agreed to send a letter to the Ontario Minister of Education, requesting that similar procurement measures be considered and implemented province-wide.

“As publicly-elected representatives, we have a duty as trustees to show leadership in our communities by standing up and mobilizing our support during difficult times,” said Johnstone.

“While our board already does a lot to buy domestically, it is especially important now for us to prioritize our local businesses, and those within Ontario and Canada,” said chairperson Jane Thomson.