Canadian mayors pass anti-'Buy American' resolution

CBC NEWS:
In response to the 'Buy American' provisions of the U.S. stimulus package, Canada's mayors narrowly passed a resolution Saturday that could potentially block U.S. companies from bidding on city contracts. The resolution was passed at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference in Whistler, B.C., by a vote of 189-175. The resolution says the federation should support cities that adopt policies that allow them to buy only from companies whose home countries do not impose trade restrictions against Canadian goods. "Today, Canada's cities and communities joined the federal and provincial governments in a common front to try and stop American protectionism," Jean Perrault, FCM president and mayor of Sherbrooke, Que., said in a statement. "We stand united in the belief that fair trade and an even playing field are in the best interest of our country, our communities and our citizens."The resolution wouldn't take effect for four months, giving the Canadian government time to lobby the Obama administration.