Patriotic pride is riding high with the surge of the “buy Canadian” movement. It’s a timely feeling, but not a new one: for generations, Canadian farmers, producers, manufacturers and retailers have supported their communities with unique, high-quality goods.
Whether you’ve been a die-hard buy Canadian shopper for years, or you’re looking to get started, here are some tips:
Visit the farmer’s market. It’s a proud Canadian tradition, and there’s no shopping experience quite like it. You can get fresh, high-quality produce, fresh bread and baked goods straight from the farmers and producers themselves. Look for home items like beeswax candles and handmade soaps or lotions. Most markets also offer food and refreshment, as well as local craft goods and thrift finds.
Look for uniquely Canadian options. Some things are just too Canadian to get from anywhere else: think maple syrup, wild blueberries or canola. In fact, canola, short for “Canada” and “oil, low acid,” is a Canadian invention dating to the early 1970s, coming from farmers and scientists working together.
It’s a heart-healthy cooking oil that’s trans-fat free, low in saturated fats, with plenty of omega-3 and “good cholesterol” monounsaturated fats. Canola grows right here, with 70 per cent coming from Western Canada. It’s also in more things than you’d expect, from cosmetics to pet foods to sustainable biofuels and environmentally friendly bags and fabrics.
You can buy Canadian online, too. Every community has hidden gems, and you don’t have to live next door to support them. Even small stores usually have online ordering, which lets you access their unique offerings, no matter the distance. If there’s a particular item you want, try adding “Canada” to the end of your online search, or switching the search to the maps tab to see which Canadian vendors can send it to you.
Buying Canadian isn’t just a slogan. It’s a way to connect with your community, and communities across the country, and to sample the best of what Canada has to offer.
