With Trumpian tariff roulette trending in the lives of all Canadians, it is comforting to see that the majority of the citizenry is on standby, elbows raised, and ready for action.
But what about at the municipal level?
Is the city reviewing what products and services it may have obtained through U.S. firms?
In light of the major purchase of a pumper truck for the city’s fire department on Monday’s (March 10) agenda, we checked in with Mayor Joe Preston for an update.
He advised that he had recently contacted Justin Lawrence, the city’s Director of Industrial Development, to see whether the work proceeding at Yarmouth Yards was being undertaken by U.S. firms.
“He assured me other than perhaps some pump parts or some things that are not available anywhere else (that was not the case).

Preston continued, “Lisa (City Manager Lisa Higgs) and I sat and talked about it yesterday (Wednesday) because it had come to my mind again about are we using any consulting services, do we have any purchases outside of Canada.
“Most of our local construction of course is done by local contractors and we can’t always tell exactly what they’re doing but for the most part, we know they’re forced to buy local or it costs so much to ship things.
“So we’ve kind of put in place a kind of a full-court press to say is there anything out there?
“As you know we currently have a fire truck on order. There’s no place to get one of those but from the United States, but that’s a 2026 kind of purchase so I just asked can we look at that too, but it’s already been ordered so we’ll carry on with it.
“We know that the pumper that it’s replacing will age out in 2026 so it’s not something we can truly delay, but we’ve just looked at all of that just to make sure.”
A quick check uncovered Dependable Emergency Vehicles in Brampton which custom builds several models of fire-fighting equipment, including pumpers.
The issue in the past has been a provision in the Ontario Municipal Act which compels municipalities, when they put out tenders for goods and services, to go with the lowest bid.
There are exceptions to this mandate.
We checked this week with MPP-elect Rob Flack’s office to determine whether the province is willing to make a Buy Canadian exception at this time.
It appears such might be the case, however no specifics were available to us.
Back to our conversation with Preston, “I think there are times and places where we have to look to make it part of our RFP (request for proposal) that it is a Canadian product and then that, of course, would allow a Canadian company to compete.
“We’ve started our homework on what we do, from a procurement point of view.”

“Let’s move forward with being better customers of ourselves and I think that is a great first step.”

A key consideration, agreed Preston, is getting rid of inter-provincial trade barriers.
“We’ve got to get rid of the barriers up here. We’ve got to rip them down and rip them up permanently.
“And I won’t always blame it on the provinces because sometimes it’s more federal regulations than it is provincial. And I think you’re really seeing the provinces work hard on that right now.
“But as we refer back to the last recession or even COVID, we recognize the remedy started coming from the federal government, the provincial government then added to or added what they could. And then as a city, we did what we could too.
“But we can’t go first. I mean, it’s really hard for us to go first other than to, as you and I have just talked, research the purchasing problem.”
Not one to pass up an opportunity to introduce humour to the conversation, Preston referenced the hockey triumph by the Canadians at the recent four-nation tournament and the second-place finish by the U.S. and a joke he heard related to that.
“We should put a really large tariff on silver because it seems to be the colour of the metal that Americans like to win.”
He ended on a cautionary note.
“Realize there are people working at the Metro store selling things, so let’s not put them out of business.
“Let’s Canadianize what we can.
“Let’s move forward with being better customers of ourselves and I think that is a great first step.
“As we get into larger and deeper cost, we’ll have to figure out how to do that with steel and aluminum and nickel and all the other things.
“But if you visit any grocery store or take advantage of any shopping opportunity right now, they’re doing a great job of pointing out the Canadian-ness that is out there.”

FOR KAREN VECCHIO, IT’S TIME TO COME HOME

For the past 10 years, the MP for Elgin-Middlesex-London has focussed the spotlight on her constituents.
However, last Sunday it was PC MP Karen Vecchio who was the centre of attention.
Last July, Vecchio announced in the myFM studio that she would not seek re-election in the next federal vote.
And so in front of a large gathering at the CASO station, speaker after speaker paid tribute to Vecchio at a retirement party to honour her more than 20-year association with federal politics.

Photo Kennedy Freeman

Her career in politics began in 2004 in then-MP Joe Preston’s office and so it was fitting that the Mayor of St. Thomas was the first to pay tribute to Vecchio.
“When I decided I would leave, after 11 years I’d had enough time in Parliament, I went to Karen and I said, I know who’s perfect for this job.
“Because she paid attention in life, and she came to the job prepared to do what Members of Parliament are supposed to do, what politicians are supposed to do, and that is be friends with all, listen to everyone, and then make the decision you think is right for the people you represent.
“Boy, open a dictionary right now to that section and you’ll see Karen’s picture.”
Preston concluded, “So, from deep in my heart, the advice that Karen has given me in my life will last the rest of mine. And I certainly hope that she’ll also say the same. Thanks, Karen. Love you. Thank you.”
One of the attributes that Elgin-Middlesex-London PC MPP Rob Flack most admires in Vecchio is that she is ecumenical.
“Not in the religious sense, but in terms of working across party lines, working across issues throughout this community that maybe have no partisan or political colours.
“And look at the room here today, there’s different colours, political stripes, and issues, but she was able, and the House of Commons had tremendous respect, especially in the last couple of years.
“She’s earned those stripes, she works closely with all parties, and because she cares about the issues.

“And we have a long tradition in this county of doing that. And I think that that’s a testament to all of us in this room. Is that we are cognizant of making sure that we put the best person in place that’s going to represent the interests of all of us.”

“And yes, she’s a Conservative, but also she cared more about the community, more about getting what’s done for this community, what’s needed to be done, rather than being a true whatever.
“So her ecumenical ways, politically and community-wise speak loud and clear.”
Flack wrapped up his remarks with, “She’s a strong person, whether it’s her family, her commitments to her community, she shows her strength, especially in the last number of months, and these strengths will continue to serve her well in the months and years ahead.”
Former MPP Steve Peters pointed out that Vecchio carried on a long-standing tradition in the riding.
“She carries this torch of a really, really long tradition in Elgin county. That people support your MP, your MPP, not necessarily as a political party. But they support a person.
“And we have a long tradition in this county of doing that. And I think that that’s a testament to all of us in this room. Is that we are cognizant of making sure that we put the best person in place that’s going to represent the interests of all of us.
“Not just a left or a right or a centre. The job of the MPP, MP is to serve everyone.
“And I can tell you, I can think of a lot of great people who have served in both provincial and federal office that are looking down on me today and saying thank you that you kept that tradition alive. That one was so important.”
Peters joked that perhaps a few of the individuals present on Sunday should write a book and title it, Tales From Elgin.
Elgin County Warden Grant Jones has many fond memories of Vecchio, going back to perhaps the age of five or six , “Pushing her little buggy across the laneway with her dolls. You never saw her coming, but you definitely could hear her.
“A few years later, working at the family farm again, doing a roofing job on a porch, about 90 degrees out, and all of a sudden this massive bucket of water came out of the window like this, dumping on me.
“It was Karen in the window. Just about knocked me off the roof.”
A surprise guest at the celebration was former Conservative Party of Canada leader Erin O’Toole.

He observed Karen got into politics for all the right reasons.
“But as several people alluded to, some people are changed by their time in public life and the glare in politics. People like me, I call it Hollywood for ugly people.
“You get recognized. You get some attention.
“Karen has not changed because she got into it for the right reasons. Because she’s proud of her community, proud of her country, and she wants to serve.”
O’Toole added, “Because we’re all happy after dedicating so much time to public life. She deserves some time and some rest by herself.”

“So to each and every one of you, I just want to say, be Canadian and be proud, but be kind and respectful and we’ll continue to always go the right direction together.”

That brought Karen’s husband Mike to the podium.
And, he agreed that it was time for Karen to come home.
“I’ve heard from so many people about what a huge loss this will be to our community. And you’re absolutely right, and she will be dearly missed. I completely agree.
“But, as her unofficial photographer, chauffeur, sometime therapist, and official purse-holder, that’s an official MP position, I’ve seen it all.
“And it’s time to come home.”
He continued, “But now, after 3,423 days serving her constituents, it’s time for Karen to step away from politics and embrace the next chapter of her life. Whatever that might be.”
And then there was Karen. With a timely message in light of the new threats facing this country.
“We love this country. And it’s going through a hell of a lot right now.
“There’s a guy that maybe you really like in the United States. I can’t say I’ve taken him for a beer. You can’t say I’ve done that.
“But, we’re going to go through some times and we’re not going to always agree. COVID was a time that I learned a lot about not everybody agrees. But respect and kindness in this community gets us so far.
“So to each and every one of you, I just want to say, be Canadian and be proud, but be kind and respectful and we’ll continue to always go the right direction together.
“Thank you so much for believing in me.”

IN CELEBRATION OF WOMEN’S DAY

Today is International Women’s Day and Kate Burns Gallagher, Executive Director of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus last night forwarded this encouraging media release.
“As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, it is a historic moment for municipal leadership in Ontario.
“For the first time, all major municipal associations in the province are chaired by women, demonstrating the strength, dedication, and leadership of women in local government.”
The women at the helm of Ontario’s municipal organizations include:

• Mayor Amy Martin, Chair, Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC)
•  Mayor Robin Jones, President, Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)
• Mayor Christa Lowry, Chair, Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA)
• Warden Bonnie Clarke, Chair, Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC)
• Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Chair, Ontario Big City Mayors (OBCM)
• Chair Karen Redman, Chair, Mayors and Regional Chairs of Ontario (MARCO)
• Mayor Wendy Landry, President, Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA)

In the release, Burns Gallagher added, “This unprecedented leadership milestone is further supported by a strong network of dedicated women who provide strategic direction and operational support to these organizations, including:

• Kate Burns Gallagher, Executive Director (WOWC)
• Lindsay Jones, Director of Policy and Government Relations (AMO)
• Petra Wolfbeiss, Director, AMO Membership Centre (ROMA)
• Meredith Staveley-Watson, Director of Government Relations and Policy (EOWC)
• Michelle Baker, Executive Director (OBCM)
• Margot Cragg, Executive Director (MARCO)

‘Together, these women are shaping the future of municipalities across Ontario, advocating for strong local governance, and ensuring that communities—both rural and urban—are equipped to thrive.”

THE ECHO CHAMBER

Commenting on last week’s provincial election item, Carrie Hedderson Smith posted on City Scope her thoughts on voter turnout.

“No disrespect but why did so many people not vote?
“Our situation is dire. Focus on homelessness, drugs, and affordable housing, they are all important.
“When I write about staffing issues for five years for families of adult special needs citizens, it falls on deaf ears.
“People who contribute to their community like my son Garrett does, who are kind and giving and who volunteer, they should not have to struggle day and night to find help.
“They should not have to worry about their aging parents and archaic group homes that are not wheelchair accessible and 12-plus years wait lists for deplorable living conditions.
“Come on, if you say you care and help, then please listen, care and help.
“No reply or a form letter is not an acceptable reply. Take that leap into new territory and advocate for those who may not have the voice to advocate for themselves.
“Parents trapped in caregiver sandwiches are depleted, burnt out and have no resources, support or relief in sight for their precious children who have now grown up.
“To be placed on a crisis list at age 31 for help is not acceptable.
“Special needs people also deserve 24/7 care when their parents can no longer facilitate and they shouldn’t have to wait so long and then live in poverty conditions when they give so much positivity to the world.
“They also should not be placed in nursing homes when they are young people who have their entire life ahead of them. Would you want your children there?
“Please I implore you with all the development going on, can someone not consider building group homes?
“It is your job to lobby for this funding and make this happen. Please do so . . . it would feel so very, very good.”

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And a reminder, I can be heard weekday afternoons as news anchor and reporter on 94.1 myFM in St. Thomas. As always, your comments and input are appreciated.