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The Town of Whitby is restricting American businesses from bidding on local contracts in response to U.S. president Donald Trump’s trade war. On Monday night, council unanimously approved amendments to the town’s procurement bylaw that would prioritize purchasing goods and services from Canadian suppliers. While U.S. suppliers only amounted to under two per cent of the town’s capital and operating budget from 2023 to 2024, Whitby’s mayor says the municipality wants to do what it can in the patriotic fight. Restricting competition may drive up costs and delay some projects. The bylaw changes may remain in place until March 31, 2026. The Town of Ajax also recently made similar amendments to its procurement bylaw, allowing staff more flexibility in choosing Canadian suppliers.