Since early 2025, following the imposition of tariffs by the U.S. on Canada, Francine Piché has consciously avoided purchasing American products. Residing in Burlington, Ont., Piché has adhered to a household rule prioritizing Canadian products, followed by non-U.S. alternatives, and avoiding American goods whenever possible.
To uphold this stance, Piché has transitioned to different personal care brands, terminated her Amazon membership, and scrapped plans for a trip to New York to prevent her funds from going to the U.S. However, with the recent enforcement of new 50 percent U.S. tariffs after failed trade negotiations, Piché has pledged to cease making any exceptions.
The family intends to discontinue their American streaming service subscriptions upon renewal, and Piché plans to forego some gluten-free American-made foods she enjoys, despite the absence of substitutes. Her determination has only intensified, as she sees it as her way of pushing back.
In response to escalating trade tensions, a resurgence of the Buy Canadian movement has emerged, with consumers increasingly shifting towards Canadian products. This movement has led to a surge in traffic for apps and websites promoting Canadian-made goods.
The “Made in Canada” Facebook group has witnessed a significant rise in engagement, with more individuals seeking Canadian alternatives to American products. Conversations within the group now delve into revisiting subscriptions and social media platform choices to align with the Buy Canadian ethos.
Web developer Ryan Checora notes a substantial uptick in downloads for his app, O SCANada, which provides product origin information. This renewed interest reflects a growing trend of consumers prioritizing the origins of the products they purchase.
While some consumers prioritize price over product origin, others, like the founder of Peace by Chocolate, Tareq Hadhad, have observed increased support for Canadian brands. Hadhad credits the Buy Canadian movement for heightened web traffic and expects a positive impact on his business.
Despite ongoing trade uncertainties, many Canadians are reaffirming their commitment to supporting local businesses and products. The Buy Canadian movement continues to gain momentum, driven by consumer awareness of the impact of their purchasing decisions.