10 ways to buy Canadian (and fight the tariffs)

By Katie Momo

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• See how to easily support Canada with simple everyday purchases (including great brands!)
• Get your questions answered in a great Facebook group, and my fav tool for finding healthy products
• A quick template to ask retailers to stock Canadian products 

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No matter when the tariffs take effect, buy Canadian to support our country - now and in the future!

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With an estimated 750,000 Canadian jobs on the line, it’s time for us to stand up and make a difference with every dollar we spend.

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If we all shift our regular, everyday purchases toward Canadian-made products, we send a strong message while also protecting jobs, supporting our communities, and keeping our economy strong!

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Boycotts work

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In 2019, South Koreans boycotted Japanese products over a trade dispute, and it worked.

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Sales of Japanese beer dropped by 97%. Japanese car sales in Korea plummeted. People do have power when they act together.

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Simple ways to make a difference:

1. The cheat sheet for buying Canadian products

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Not all "Canadian" products are equal. Here's the difference:

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• Product of Canada – At least 98% of the ingredients are from Canada, and the product was processed here
  
  
• Made in Canada – At least 51% of the total cost (including production and labor) is from Canada, but ingredients can come from anywhere

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Support Canadian companies by choosing Product of Canada when possible. If not, Made in Canada is still better than an import.

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If no Canadian ingredients are available, pick a Canadian brand over an American one to keep jobs here. Even with some imported ingredients, the company’s operations and employees are in Canada.

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Some ingredients, like coffee and cocoa, can’t be grown here—that’s okay! Choose Canadian brands that import responsibly and handle processing, packaging, and distribution locally.

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Example: A Canadian-made pasta sauce with Italian tomatoes still supports Canadian jobs and businesses more than an American-made sauce would.

The same goes for a Canadian coffee company sourcing beans internationally but roasting them in Canada.

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2. Choose Canadian stores whenever possible

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Where you shop matters just as much as what you buy. If you have the option, pick a Canadian-owned store instead of a big international chain.

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I live in Montreal, and we get most of our food from the online grocery store Lufa. If you’re in Western Canada, Spud is now serving several communities.

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• Shopping at a Canadian store keeps the money in your community, instead of sending profits south of the border
  
  
• Local and independent stores often carry more Canadian-made products anyway
  
  
• Even among big retailers, some are Canadian-owned – like Canadian Tire and London Drugs

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3. Support our international partners

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If you can’t find a Canadian-made option, look to trusted international partners before defaulting to American-made goods.

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• European products: The EU has trade agreements with Canada, making it easier for us to do business with them
  
  
• Japanese and South Korean brands: Both countries are key trading partners with Canada. Buying from them strengthens those ties (like our first new vehicle ever - a Hyundai Tuscon!)
  
  
• Australia and New Zealand: These countries produce high-quality dairy, wine, and health products that are often more aligned with Canadian standards than American alternatives
  
  
  

4. If you have to buy American, buy blue

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Sometimes, you have no other option but to buy American products. In those cases, consider supporting businesses from states that align more closely with Canadian values.

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• Buy from Democratic states: Take a hint from the B.C. premier, who suggested supporting businesses in blue states that are friendlier toward Canada
  
  
• Check the label: Many products list the manufacturer’s location. Opt for those from states like California, New York, or Washington

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Be aware of Canadian brands that aren’t so Canadian anymore

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Many brands that were founded in Canada have been acquired by other companies. Supporting truly Canadian-owned businesses ensures that your money stays within the country.

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For example, Canada Dry is now American, and Tim Hortons and Molson are owned by Canadian-American companies.

5. Food & drinks: pick healthy Canadian brands

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• Look for organic and natural products from brands like Wholly Veggie! for frozen fries and GoGo Quinoa for pasta and snacks
• Swap out imports for Canadian organic dairy, grass-fed meats, and farm-fresh produce
  
  

Example: Instead of buying a mass-produced granola bar from a multinational company, grab one from MadeGood, a Canadian organic brand.

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6. Cleaning supplies: better for you, better for Canada

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• Choose amazing and eco-friendly Canadian brands like ATTITUDE, Nature Clean, or Bio-Vert

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Example: Next time you run out of dish soap, pick up Bio-Vert instead of an imported brand.

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7. Personal Care: Natural and Canadian-Made

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• Use Canadian shampoos, skincare, and toothpaste from brands like Green Beaver, Rocky Mountain Soap, and Live Clean
  
  
• Choose Canadian cosmetics, skincare, and makeup from brands like natural and plastic-free BKIND, Indigenous-owned brand Cheekbone Beauty, and vegan and cruelty-free Elate Cosmetics
  
  

Example: Instead of reaching for a big multinational brand, try a BKIND shampoo bar (they smell amazing, too!)

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8. Entertainment: Canadian content and beyond

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Cancel Netflix and other U.S.-based streaming services – and make sure they know why.

When you cancel, select 'Other' as your reason and write that you're canceling because of the tariffs.

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• CBC Gem - Free Canadian streaming with TV shows, movies, and news!
  
  
• Crave - A Canadian streaming service offering movies, TV shows, and originals, including HBO and Showtime content
  
  
• BritBox - A streaming platform featuring British dramas, comedies, and classic series from the BBC and ITV
  
  

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9. Get more help

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• Join the "Made In Canada - Canadian Products" Facebook group to discover great Canadian finds!
  
  Whether your picky toddler only eats Goldfish or you need low-sodium tomato juice, someone can help you find a Canadian alternative.
  
  
  
• Use the Yuka app to find healthier products. So easy - just scan a product’s barcode to see how it stacks up. This free version of this app is SO good, I tell all my friends about it!
  
  It even suggests alternative healthier products – not all are Canadian, but I usually find many that are!

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Here’s how I used it to find a healthy Canadian shampoo:

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10. Ask retailers for Canadian products

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Stores don’t know what we want unless we tell them! If there's a Canadian product you'd love to see on the shelves, send them a quick email.

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I emailed Costco asking them to carry ATTITUDE’s amazing (healthy!) products. I pointed out that my Costco bills are smaller now because I’m prioritizing healthy, Canadian products.

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Retailers want to stock products that sell. If enough of us ask, they will listen.

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How to do it:

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Find the store’s customer service email on their website.

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Keep it short and friendly with this template:

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“Hi, I love shopping at [store name] and wanted to suggest carrying [Canadian product]. I’ve been buying it directly from their website, but I’d love to get it at your store instead!”

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Together we can make a difference!

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Buying Canadian is an investment in our country, our communities - and with the right products, even our health.

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Every dollar spent on Canadian brands helps create jobs and keep money in Canada so it can help you and your family.

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And if you want more of your dollars working for you, get our free monthly newsletter with expert insights and tips on personal finance and investing for Canadians!