A sign that reads 'Buy Canadian Instead' is displayed on top of bottles at a B.C. Liquor Store, in Vancouver, on Feb. 2.Chris Helgren/Reuters
Whatever happens with tariffs, we should all try to buy more Canadian products.
Buying domestically builds economic independence. If you’ve followed the sobering assessments of what a U.S.-Canada trade war would do to the economy, you have to support the idea of increased spending on the products of Canadian companies that employ Canadian workers. And so, let’s set a goal. This month, try replacing five Made in America products with a Canadian version.
I’ll go first. As you may know, I’m an avid fan of American whisky, aka bourbon. In the past few days, I have acquired two bottles of bourbon-style whisky from Canadian distillers. My colleague in personal finance at The Globe, Erica Alini, reminded me the other day of another Canadian substitute for American hard liquor. It’s Crown Royal, produced in Gimli, Man. There’s a half-empty bottle of CR in my liquor cabinet. Dollar for dollar, it’s one of the better booze bargains out there.
If you have examples of switches you’ve made, send me the full details at rcarrick@globeandmail.com. Please specify the U.S. product you normally buy, the Canadian replacement and the cost for both.
Here’s a list of resources on Canadian goods and services that appeared in this newsletter last week. Something that emerged in the responses from readers is that it can be hard to identify products made in this country. One reader responded with a link to a petition encouraging grocery chains to use “Product of Canada” labels in grocery stores. Here’s some additional guidance on grocery brands that are Canadian.
The Buy Canadian Challenge is meant for people who have the financial resources to swap into products that may cost more. If you’re part of a household that is maxxed out financially, your challenge is to find the lowest price. Boycotts are a luxury item.
Finally, if you’re in the market for a new bicycle, a reader sent a listing of bikes made in Canada. And, finally, here’s the Reddit Buy Canadian Instead Mega Thread.
From our readers
Do you have a question or comment for me? Send it my way. Sorry I can’t answer every one personally. Questions and answers are edited for length and clarity.
Question and Answer Update
An answer to a recent reader question about medical assistance in dying contained outdated information. The current position from the Canadian Life & Health Insurance Association is this: “If MAID takes place and it is in accordance with the rules and processes set out by the government(s), then MAID will not be considered to be ‘suicide’ for the purposes of life insurance.”
The usual caveats with life insurance still apply – whether there was any misrepresentation in applying for coverage, or medical conditions specifically excluded when the policy was issued.
Tools and guides
A comparison of how mortgages work in Canada and the United States.
Here’s what a couple of readers had to say: