As a result of their deliberations committees may make recommendations which they include in their reports for the consideration of the House of Commons or the Government. Recommendations related to this study are listed below.

Recommendation 1

That the Government of Canada continue its engagement with the Government of the United States regarding “Buy America” policies. Discussions should address these policies’ negative effects for both countries, including on supply chains and for jobs, and should focus on securing a full exemption for Canada from current and any future “Buy America” policies.

Recommendation 2

That the Government of Canada, if a full exemption for Canada from “Buy America” policies is not possible, prioritize that integrated supply chains be exempted and differentiated from imported or finished goods, and pursue an exemption for specific Canadian sectors. The Government should identify those sectors through timely consultations with relevant business, employee and other stakeholders.

Recommendation 3

That the Government of Canada work closely with Canadian firms and organized labour groups to continue to facilitate discussions, with their U.S. counterparts and other Americans, that would raise awareness in the United States about the increased costs to state and municipal projects that would result from Canada not receiving an exemption from “Buy America” policies. As well, the Government should create a working group of representatives of firms, labour groups and other stakeholders from both countries that would provide Americans with information about – and emphasize – the importance of uninterrupted and resilient supply chains.

Recommendation 4

That the Government of Canada discuss, with the Government of the United States, the possibility of bilateral procurement strategies. If such strategies are developed, the countries should begin by focusing on products and sectors where they have immediate shared priorities.

Recommendation 5

That the Government of Canada work with the Government of the United States to develop a procurement strategy that would prioritize the purchase of goods having low-carbon emissions. This strategy should: potentially include carbon border tariffs; recognize the relatively low carbon emissions that result from Canadian production in such sectors as aluminum, steel and cement; and provide a competitive advantage to Canadian and American producers that have carbon emissions that are lower than producers in other countries.

Recommendation 6

That the Government of Canada closely monitor the possible approval and implementation of The American Jobs Plan announced by President Joe Biden in March 2021, and provide the House of Commons Special Committee on the Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States with written updates about the impacts of this plan and any associated “Buy America” policies. The Government should provide these updates on 31 July 2021 and on 31 August 2021.