Williams Lake's mayor put forward a special resolution at the Feb. 4 regular council meeting to show support for B.C. and Canada in a possible trade war.
Mayor Surinderpal Rathor said his late addition to the agenda is a non-partisan move to show support for both the province of B.C. and Canada as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens to impose tariffs on Canadian imports to the U.S.
Rathor said over the weekend he had heard from people in the community asking him what the city and council would be doing in light of the possible trade war.
"We are all going to be affected," said Rathor, when outlining his plan to the Tribune.
The resolution put forward was: "That in response to the pending trade tariffs announced by the United States, council direct staff to bring back a report outlining options for the city in supporting the federal and provincial governments by taking measures to help strengthen the Canadian economy during this challenging time, should the tariffs be implemented, including procuring Canadian made and manufactured goods, wherever possible; and further, that residents and business owners be encouraged to support the local economy by shopping local and Canadian when options are available."
Rathor said he hopes the resolution will show Williams Lake is united with both the province and the nation in facing the potential economic fallout of U.S. tariffs, will encourage the community to also support local and Canadian products and services, and encourage suppliers for the city to also do the same, where possible.
"I have no power to tell people what to do," said Rathor, who explained the goal is simply to encourage grassroots support for Canadian products and services in the event of a possible trade war.
He said this move may be a tiny drop in the bucket, “but remember every drop fills the bucket.”
"We did not ask for this, we did not start this. But we have to respond, we have to stick together." he said.
Rathor gave an impassioned speech at the council meeting and said he chose to move to Canada more than 50 years ago because Canada is a country which doesn't bully other countries.
“It’s the White House trying to bully us and we will not accept that,” he said.
Coun. Scott Nelson suggested an amendment to the resolution to insert "Williams Lake and" in front of Canada to show support for buying local.
