When Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper meets with President Obama at the White House on Sept. 16, Canada's search for relief from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's Buy American provision will be one of his top priorities.
Canada has objected to the provision for months, saying that its manufacturers are being hurt by ARRA's restrictions on use of non-U.S-made steel and manufactured products in projects funded by the legislation. The Canadians' prime focus is on ARRA-funded projects that are administered by states and localities, in sectors such as water and wastewater facilities.