23 July 2009

 

 

 

Stockwell Day says he hopes all provinces will soon sign on to a commitment not to discriminate against U.S. companies in government procurement.

 

The International Trade Minister said Wednesday he is still hoping to get unanimous agreement from all 10 provinces within a couple of weeks, although he said it may be possible only a majority will sign on….

 

Mr. Day said he is prepared to move ahead and submit what is essentially a unilateral peace offering on government procurement even if not all provinces are on board.

 

The Canadian government has been lobbying for months to get the U.S. Congress to halt Buy America provisions from being tacked on to about $290-billion (U.S.) earmarked for infrastructure projects as part of the Obama administration's stimulus package.

 

So far, Canadian companies complain they have been shut out of bidding for water treatment and school renovation projects financed by federal infrastructure spending, but the lion's share of the money has yet to be allotted.

 

Ottawa believes the U.S. lawmakers are using the reluctance of provinces to sign on to international guidelines for free trade in government procurement bids as an excuse to shut Canadian companies out of infrastructure contracts, which are administered at the state and municipal level.

 

Mr. Day said once provinces agree to an open procurement process, he will take the agreement to Washington and seek reciprocal fair trade treatment….