Social media has been flooded with folks looking to support Canadian businesses. But what actually is considered Canadian? Where is that line? Read on to find out.
Canadian-Owned, Designed, Manufactured, Made: What Do They All Mean?
Understanding terms like Canadian-owned, designed, manufactured, and made can be a crucial step to finding the businesses you want to support.
- Canadian-Owned: When the ownership resides within Canada, regardless of where the products are made.
- Designed in Canada : When products are created/designed here but might be produced elsewhere.
- Manufactured or Made in Canada: When the product is actually produced within Canada, supporting local jobs and industries.
Ideally, a combination of these factors, like Canadian-owned and made, provides the most benefit to the local economy.
Why It’s About More Than Just the HQ
When we talk about buying Canadian, it’s not always as simple as checking where a company’s head office is located. Franchises, for example, are often locally owned by people in your community. American-owned franchises like Dairy Queen or McDonald’s are examples where the franchisee is likely a local business owner. On the other hand, Canadian-owned franchises such as Boston Pizza and Pet Valu are businesses that combine local ownership with Canadian roots.
Whether you choose to support based on head office location or ownership, understanding where your money is going and who it’s supporting helps you make decisions that align with your values.
Why Prices Are Higher, And Why That’s Okay
Let’s face it, Canadian-made items often come with a higher price tag. It’s easy to see the number on the price tag and feel the sting, but there’s a reason behind these higher prices. Regulated wages, ethical working conditions, and stricter environmental regulations all contribute to the cost of Canadian-made products.
When you compare that to items manufactured overseas, where wages are usually lower, often nowhere near a livable wage, and regulations looser, the difference in cost starts to make sense. Sure, it might be tempting to opt for a cheaper option from Amazon, but keep in mind those items are rarely made in the USA or Canada. It’s not just about the price but about the values behind the purchase.
Canadian-Owned vs. Canadian-Made
I get it, everyone has their budget and preferences, and sometimes, buying Canadian-made just isn’t an option. For that, there are plenty of Canadian-owned businesses that sell products made elsewhere. Discount stores like Giant Tiger and Dollarama are Canadian-owned but carry products that are largely manufactured outside of Canada. Supporting these businesses still keeps money circulating within our country even if the end product is not made in Canada.
It all comes down to finding where your values and budget align and mixing Canadian-made purchases with Canadian-owned ones might just be the right fit for you.
Overconsumption and Making Mindful Choices
One way to balance the higher cost of Canadian-made items is to buy less. Overconsumption is a massive issue today. We’ve been conditioned to believe we need a new wardrobe every season or the latest gadget as soon as it’s released. But here’s the truth: you don’t need a closet bursting with clothes to feel good about yourself.
You’ll often find me in the same outfits over and over. It’s not just because I want to promote the pieces I sell through my business, but because who has the budget (and closet space) to not repeat outfits? The textile waste in this world is off the charts so I’m not going to contribute to it unnecessarily (that could be a whole new blog topic on it’s own😳).
To Summarize
Where you draw the line on what's considered supporting Canadian businesses and what isn't is essentially up to you. Only you can determine what that means to you based on your own situation and preferences.
My top tips would be to:
- Determine your values and priorities
- Do your research
- Do not strive for perfection
- Do now judge others' choices
Every small choice adds up and makes a difference. Supporting Canadian-made products helps create jobs, reduce our carbon footprint, and build a stronger economy. But remember, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about doing what you can, when you can, and knowing that even small steps matter.