By Katie Momo
- 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
No matter when the tariffs take effect, buy Canadian to support our country - now and in the future!
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.
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!
Boycotts work
In 2019, South Koreans boycotted Japanese products over a trade dispute, and it worked.
Sales of Japanese beer dropped by 97%. Japanese car sales in Korea plummeted. People do have power when they act together.
Simple ways to make a difference:
1. The cheat sheet for buying Canadian products
Not all "Canadian" products are equal. Here's the difference:
- 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
Support Canadian companies by choosing Product of Canada when possible. If not, Made in Canada is still better than an import.
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.
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.
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.
2. Choose Canadian stores whenever possible
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.
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.
- 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
3. Support our international partners
If you can’t find a Canadian-made option, look to trusted international partners before defaulting to American-made goods.
- 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
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.
- 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
Be aware of Canadian brands that aren’t so Canadian anymore
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.
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
- 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.
6. Cleaning supplies: better for you, better for Canada
- Choose amazing and eco-friendly Canadian brands like ATTITUDE, Nature Clean, or Bio-Vert
Example: Next time you run out of dish soap, pick up Bio-Vert instead of an imported brand.
7. Personal Care: Natural and Canadian-Made
- 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!)
8. Entertainment: Canadian content and beyond
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.
- 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
9. Get more help
- 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!
Here’s how I used it to find a healthy Canadian shampoo:
10. Ask retailers for Canadian products
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.
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.
Retailers want to stock products that sell. If enough of us ask, they will listen.
How to do it:
Find the store’s customer service email on their website.
Keep it short and friendly with this template:
“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!”
Together we can make a difference!
Buying Canadian is an investment in our country, our communities - and with the right products, even our health.
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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