The Canadian and American governments reached an agreement on Friday February 5, 2010 on Buy American provisions. The agreement represents an important step forward putting Canadian companies in a better position to benefit from remaining U.S. infrastructure stimulus funding and establishes a mechanism for negotiating further access to U.S. markets. This means Canada is now in a stronger position compared to the other countries that are members of the World Trade Organization’s Government Procurement Agreement.

The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce commends the governments of Canada and the United States on reaching a productive and forward-looking agreement on Buy American provisions.

“This represents an important step forward in our continued engagement with our largest trading partner,” said John Walker, President and CEO of the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce.

“While more work needs to be done to counter protectionism in the United States, this agreement has placed us in a better position than our main competitors to receive U.S. stimulus funding,” added Bob Malcolmson, C.E.O. of the Chamber. “It should also result in greater co-operation between provinces, territories and the federal government – a long-awaited, but very welcomed accomplishment. The depth of the federal/provincial offer and the speed at which it was put forth is an important precedent which puts us in a good position for the negotiation of future agreements.”

“We must continue to work with the United States to strengthen our ties and to develop solutions that are beneficial to both parties,” concluded Malcolmson.