Since early 2025, when the U.S. imposed tariffs on Canada, Francine Piché has been avoiding American products. The Burlington, Ont., resident prioritizes Canadian and non-U.S. products over American ones whenever possible. Piché has changed her personal care brands, stopped her Amazon membership, and canceled a trip to New York to avoid supporting the U.S. economically. With the recent introduction of new 50 percent U.S. tariffs, Piché has decided not to make any exceptions.
She and her family are discontinuing their American streaming service subscriptions and preparing to bid farewell to some gluten-free foods made in the U.S., despite the lack of alternatives. Piché stated, “My determination has grown stronger. That’s my way of fighting back.”
Following a resurgence in the Buy Canadian movement due to renewed trade threats from the U.S., consumers are increasingly turning to Canadian products. The Made in Canada Facebook group has seen a significant rise in views in August, with over 1.4 million members sharing information about Canadian products.
Ryan Checora, a web developer, noted a surge in downloads of his app “O SCANada,” which provides information on product origins. The app’s popularity has been increasing, reflecting a growing interest among Canadians in supporting local products.
While some consumers prioritize price over the origin of products, others like Lauren Hung in Vancouver are conscious of buying Canadian despite cost concerns. David Hardisty, a marketing professor, highlighted that discretionary items are more likely to be avoided when it comes to American purchases, such as travel.
Canadian brands like Peace by Chocolate have experienced increased support amid the Buy Canadian movement. Tareq Hadhad, the company’s CEO, observed a spike in web traffic and emphasized the importance of backing Canadian businesses during the trade war.
Hadhad acknowledged the significant impact of consumer spending habits and believes that Canadians are reluctant to give the U.S. administration another opportunity. As the Buy Canadian movement gains momentum, consumers are realizing the power they hold in supporting local businesses.