Halifax reviewing procurement, cutting U.S. ties in response to tariffs

Halifax is reviewing its procurement policies and cutting ties with U.S.-based organizations in response to new tariffs.

Mayor Andy Fillmore says the city is aligning with Nova Scotia’s approach, which includes canceling memberships in American organizations, suspending employee travel to the U.S. for conferences, and reviewing existing agreements to find possible alternatives.

“I’ve asked city staff to bring a broad-ranging report to council on how we can exclude the purchase of American goods and services and focus entirely on Canadian products,” Fillmore said. “There are some big changes ahead, and we’re already getting started.”

That report is expected to be presented to council on March 18 and will outline the municipal impacts of the tariffs as well as potential further action.

Fillmore says the city’s procurement process previously focused on securing the best value for taxpayers, regardless of origin, but that approach is changing. “Before these tariff issues, we had some restrictions around buying Canadian only, but the focus was always on getting the best value for taxpayers. Now, that needs to change. We need to prioritize Canadian goods and services while still ensuring we’re being responsible with taxpayers’ money.”

The mayor also noted that both provincial and municipal governments have been preparing for the impact of tariffs for weeks. While there will likely be challenges in the short term—including higher costs for some goods—he believes the shift will strengthen Canada’s economy in the long run.

“Economists have told me this transition will take time, and there will be some challenges—higher prices for goods and services in the short term—but in the long run, we’ll emerge as a stronger nation,” he said.

Beyond procurement, Fillmore pointed to changing consumer habits as another sign of adaptation. “Consumers have already changed their habits, and we’ve seen some reporting on that. People are looking at where their products come from and choosing Canadian-made alternatives.”

Travel is another area where Fillmore sees a shift. He says Halifax’s tourism industry is working to attract visitors who may have otherwise vacationed in the U.S. “People who might have vacationed in New York, Chicago, or California are now looking at Halifax instead—coming here to relax on our beaches, enjoy our restaurants, and shop locally.”

As for his message to residents, Fillmore encouraged them to keep prioritizing local and Canadian businesses. “I always encourage people to support local businesses, just like during the holiday season when I suggest giving Amazon a break and shopping from retailers here at home,” he said.

While he acknowledged concerns about the economic impact, Fillmore said Halifax and Canada have a history of adapting. “There may be some short-term price spikes and challenges, but we’ll get through it. In the end, we’ll be stronger together.”