David Eby announces ‘Buy Canadian’ legislative requirements

BC NDP leader David Eby has announced new legislative requirements under the ‘Built in B.C. and Canada’ procurement rules. The policy mandates that government agencies, including ministries, Crown agencies, and health authorities, must prioritize Canadian products for public infrastructure projects whenever viable.

Under the new rules, if a Canadian supplier falls within the bid range of a competing American bid, the Crown Corporation must select the Canadian company. Eby stated this moves the policy from a mere guideline for Crown Corporations to a formal requirement. The initiative aims to protect local businesses and workers, with Eby citing economic pressures as a motivation for the shift.

The approach is already being applied to the North Coast Transmission Line project managed by BC Hydro, which runs from Prince George to Terrace. Eby noted that such projects are intended to make British Columbia more globally competitive while supporting domestic industries.