Windsor was the backdrop for an announcement encouraging the use of Canadian industry to protect the economy from the effects of U.S. tariffs.
Rechie Valdez, the federal Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism, stopped by Anchor Danly in Windsor on Monday morning to announce the investment of almost $186-million for a new Buy Canadian policy.
"Small and medium-sized businesses are the heart of Canada’s economy," said Valdez. "They are innovators, employers, and community builders who drive our country forward. Through the Buy Canadian Policy and the Small and Medium Business Procurement Program, we are strengthening supply chains, streamlining access to federal opportunities, and ensuring that businesses of all sizes have a fair chance to compete and succeed."
The funding is included in the proposed 2025 federal budget.
Public Services and Procurement Canada will receive $98.2-million over five years starting in 2026–2027, and $9.8 million ongoing, while the Treasury Board Secretariat will receive $7.7 million over three years to implement the Buy Canadian Policy across all federal departments, agencies, and Crown corporations.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada will receive $79.9-million over five years, starting in 2026–2027, to support the Small and Medium Business Procurement Program.
The Buy Canadian Policy will start rolling out this month, with the defence and construction fields benefiting first. Complete implementation will take place by spring 2026.
Monday was not the first time Valdez, a University of Windsor alum, made a funding announcement in Windsor. She was in the city in September to announce an initiative to protect manufacturing workers affected by tariffs.
