The Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) is taking decisive action to reduce its dependence on American suppliers, inspired by recent changes to U.S. trade policy, which have raised tariffs on Canadian goods. During a board meeting on February 25, trustee Luke Weiler proposed a motion aimed at pausing negotiations and the establishment of contracts with American suppliers, directing staff to conduct thorough reviews of current business relationships.
This initiative seeks to identify contracts with American entities and explore alternatives among non-American suppliers, ensuring no financial ramifications would undermine the board’s interests. Weiler articulated the board's commitment to being accountable to taxpayers, parents, and the community, stating, "The request is not to take actions harming the board. We're not trying to wound ourselves to prove a point.” His statement reflects the gravity of the economic impact on families affected by tariffs and the board's desire to stand with them during these challenging times.
Since March 4, 2025, U.S. tariffs have dramatically altered the economic relationship between Canada and the United States, imposing 25 percent tariffs on Canadian exports and 10 percent on its energy resources. Weiler referred to these tariffs as "a vicious and malicious attack" on families associated with the UGDSB, drawing attention to the tangible impacts families might face as they grapple with job losses and financial instability. He remarked, “Some of our students are going to have trouble sleeping at night, wondering if their families are going to be okay.”
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has projected significant ramifications from the tariffs, estimating Canada’s GDP may shrink by around 2.6 percent, costing Canadians approximately $1,900 annually. Weiler emphasized the need for the board to adopt proactive measures to navigate this difficult economic terrain, stating, "I think it is the moral thing to do and I think it strengthens the message there will be a forceful response to this assault on our country."
With approximately 35,000 students enrolled, the UGDSB board, which has an operational budget of $523 million—including $34 million on supplies and services—has significant purchasing power. Weiler highlighted the board's existing financial commitments; it spends $41 million on contracts, $2 million on equipment, and $17 million on renovations.
The motion's passage has been described as both timely and necessary, especially considering Guelph has been designated as the sixth most vulnerable city due to its heavy reliance on U.S. exports, which constitute around 33% of the local GDP. This mercantile dependence heightens the risks posed to the community if tariffs remain intact.
By adopting this stance against American suppliers, the UGDSB hopes to inspire both the local population and fellow institutions to reevaluate their purchasing behaviors. “I propose to direct these resources away from American suppliers and service providers where available or feasible,” Weiler said. His remarks capture the board's commitment to advocating for the well-being of its families by fostering local economic resilience through their purchasing policies.
Trustees voted unanimously to support the motion with the expectation of initiating significant actions, involving measures such as pausing all negotiations with U.S. suppliers and terminating contracts whenever viable. The board has committed to working with other educational institutions, municipalities, colleges, and hospitals to consolidate purchasing efforts and maximize their collective bargaining power.
Trustee Martha McNeil raised questions about extending these purchasing preferences to include third-party contractors, aiming to clarify how widespread the policy could be operationally. Chief financial officer Glen Regier remarked, “We would provide comments next week,” assuring trustees and the community stakeholders of their due diligence as the board navigates these changes.
Given the pressing nature of the circumstances surrounding these tariffs and their economic fallout, the UGDSB opted to waive the usual notice requirements for the motion, highlighting its urgency during the February 25 meeting. Weiler concluded his remarks by stating, “The situation is, in my view, deteriorated boldly and rapidly,” calling for collective action.
This situation not only affects the school board but echoes throughout Guelph and the broader Ontario region, making it all the more important for educational institutions like the UGDSB to take firm stances on economic policies impacting their communities. The board's resolve, demonstrated through its recent decisions, serves as both support for the harmed families and as a model for other organizations to reconsider their supplier relationships and practices under the current trade dynamics.