Surrey’s American bleacher boycott latest unlikely product of Canada-U.S. trade tensions

Surrey’s mayor is embracing the notion of buying Canadian, cancelling a $740,000 contract with a U.S.- based company.

SURREY, B.C. — You can tow them.

You can unfold them.

And, apparently, you can boycott them too.

U.S.-made mobile bleachers have become the latest surprise casualty of the tense trade relationship between Canada and its southern neighbours.

The City of Surrey is walking away from plans to award a contract to an American company.

“In this case, it is interesting that it is mobile bleachers that has struck a chord with people,” Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke told CTV News at city hall on Wednesday.

“I think it’s incumbent on every one of us, whether we’re a city government, provincial government or an individual. I think we have to be very concerned about our purchases.”

Locke says she’s willing to buy from a Canadian company, even if it means spending more than the $740,000 initially set aside for the bleachers.

“The price is slightly higher for the Canadian product,” Locke acknowledged. “That being said, we must – and we’ve made a decision to – support Canadian companies.”

Surrey’s move comes as other municipalities take action.

Maple Ridge has outlined its plan to review its procurement practices with an aim to prioritize Canadian-made goods and services.

And earlier this week, Vancouver city council unanimously voted to prioritize Canadian purchases when possible, after a push from Green Party Coun. Pete Fry.

“(The goal is) to grow a more resilient economy, to protect our local businesses, and really to jump on board with the rest of Canadians who are passionate about protecting our sovereignty and our economy and really this Team Canada approach that we are seeing from coast to coast,” Fry told CTV News on Tuesday.

As for whether this is a temporary measure or a permanent change in approach for Surrey when it comes to buying U.S. products, Locke says that comes down to what the American president does next.