Since the initiation of tariffs by the U.S. on Canada in early 2025, Francine Piché has been consciously avoiding American products. The resident of Burlington, Ont., stated that in her household, the priority is on purchasing Canadian goods, followed by non-U.S. products, and avoiding American items whenever possible.
Piché has taken actions such as switching personal care brands, ending her Amazon membership, and canceling a planned trip to New York to prevent her dollars from going to the U.S., except when no other alternatives are available. However, with the recent imposition of new 50 percent U.S. tariffs following failed trade talks, she has decided not to make any further exceptions.
Her family intends to discontinue their American streaming service subscriptions, and Piché plans to forego some of her favorite gluten-free American-made foods, despite the lack of alternatives. She expressed her unwavering determination to resist by stating, “That’s the only way that I can fight back.”
The Buy Canadian movement has experienced a resurgence as consumers are increasingly shifting to Canadian products in response to renewed trade threats from the U.S. Some are intensifying their efforts to support Canadian brands, with a notable increase in traffic on platforms like the Made in Canada Facebook group, which has seen a substantial rise in views and membership requests.
The surge in interest for Canadian products is also evident in the rise of traffic on apps like O SCANada, which provides information on product origins. Web developer Ryan Checora noted a significant uptick in app downloads recently, reflecting a growing trend of Canadians showing interest in the origins of the products they purchase.
Despite the escalating trade tensions, some consumers, like Lauren Hung in Vancouver, still prioritize price over the country of origin when making purchasing decisions. However, Canadian brands like Peace by Chocolate in Antigonish, N.S., have seen increased support from customers during this period, with a surge in website traffic and a positive response to their Canadian-themed products.
While the decision to buy Canadian may not be feasible for all products, the Buy Canadian movement continues to gain momentum, driven by consumer awareness of the impact of their choices. Tareq Hadhad, the founder of Peace by Chocolate, emphasized the importance of supporting Canadian businesses and the unity that such support fosters among Canadians.
As the movement gains momentum, consumers are recognizing the power of their purchasing decisions and are increasingly inclined to support Canadian brands over American alternatives. The sentiment is clear: while tariffs may affect trade, they cannot diminish the essence of what Canada stands for.
