Municipalities in Quebec Navigate Tariffs and Boycotts Amid Trade Tensions

Boycotting Amazon, Airbnb, and American products in general is not a simple task for municipalities looking to adopt such measures. However, the Quebec Federation of Municipalities (FQM) is calling for legislative changes to empower municipalities to boycott American products and services more effectively. This comes as municipalities grapple with the customs tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump.

The Growing Call for Local Purchasing

The municipal council of Sainte-Luce took a significant step in this direction by adopting a resolution on February 3 to restrict purchases from the United States, with some exceptions. The mayor of Sainte-Luce, Micheline Barriault, justified the move by stating, “We really want to do everything we can as a municipality to support these companies [locales].”

Jacques Demers, the president of the FQM, praised the initiative. “I find it interesting when I see this kind of reaction there,” he said. “It is a reaction which, I hope, is not in the short term for everyone. The goal is to make local purchasing, whether with what happened during the pandemic or now with the Americans.” Demers is also the mayor of Sainte-Catherine-de-Hatley and prefect of the MRC of Memphremagog, Estrie.

Quebec Encourages Local Buying

In this context, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Andrée Laforest, also urged municipalities to buy locally. Quebec has provided a guide to good practices addressing municipal administrations to promote Canadian businesses. In a letter sent on February 20, 2025, Laforest highlighted the economic impact of local purchasing. “The total value of municipal contracts for the year 2023-2024 amounted to more than $19 billion; This is a colossal sum that can be invested in our local and regional economy.”

The Role of Amazon in Municipal Purchasing

Municipal purchases include a variety of items such as offices, chairs, stationery, electronic devices, and chargers. For instance, the city of Rimouski spent about $12,000 on Amazon between January and October 2024, primarily for technological items. Frédéric Savard, the Communications and Media Relations Advisor for the City, confirmed that these purchases were made on Amazon because the products were not available from local suppliers. “Of course, we favor local purchases,” Savard stated.

In response to the departure of Amazon from Quebec and the imposition of customs tariffs, some cities have decided to halt orders from the online giant. This includes Montreal, Alma, and Nicolet. The FQM notes a growing solidarity movement in Quebec. “It’s everywhere. Especially when we talk to them about Amazon, it seems to be a target for several,” noted Demers. However, he cautioned, “But at the same time, we want to be careful, because local products are sold on Amazon.”

Proposed Legislative Changes

The FQM is pushing for changes to the Cities and Cities Act to allow municipalities to buy Canadian products over American ones for purchases below $133,800. Beyond this threshold, municipalities must currently go through a call for tenders and are subject to the constraint of the lowest compliant bidder, regardless of its origin. The FQM proposes two modifications: a 25% increase on American submissions and a scoring system that would disadvantage American companies.

Demers emphasized that municipalities would have the option to adopt these measures. “We don’t want to make a wall,” he said. “At a time when everyone says that you have to make more local shopping, you have to give yourself the frank cubits to be able to move forward in this case.”

A Strategic Response to Trade Wars

In a context of looming trade wars, Danielle Pilette, an associate professor at the University of Quebec in Montreal, compared the situation to a chess game. “American suppliers cannot be excluded in these cases of public tenders,” she warned. Pilette suggested putting “sticks in the wheels” of American companies with objective criteria to benefit local businesses. She cited the example of Canadian lobster, which faces stringent size criteria to enter the American market due to colder waters.

Pilette also cautioned that municipal contracts must remain transparent. “There are very few people who were not suspicious of contractual management for 10 years. We have so tightened the rules of contractual management after the Charbonneau committee,” she recalled.

Implications for U.S. Municipalities

The situation in Quebec raises important questions for U.S. municipalities. As trade tensions escalate, local governments may need to consider similar strategies to support domestic businesses and navigate tariffs. The example of Quebec’s FQM and the city of Sainte-Luce highlights the potential for municipalities to play a significant role in economic policy by leveraging their purchasing power.

However, such measures must be carefully balanced to avoid discriminatory practices and ensure transparency. As Danielle Pilette noted, “To enter the American market with lobster, you must meet criteria on size that very few Canadian companies can afford.” This underscores the need for objective criteria and fair competition.

For U.S. municipalities, the key takeaway is the importance of strategic planning and community engagement. By fostering local economic development and supporting domestic suppliers, municipalities can mitigate the impact of trade tensions and contribute to a more resilient local economy. As Quebec’s experience shows, this requires a combination of legislative changes, community support, and strategic purchasing decisions.

As the trade landscape continues to evolve, U.S. municipalities will need to stay informed and adaptable, learning from international examples and tailoring strategies to their unique contexts.