As election starts, Ottawa embraces ‘Buy Canadian’ movement

Many shoppers from across the country are looking to shop local as the Canada-U.S. trade war drags on. CTV’s Natalie van Rooy reports.

Ottawa residents have likely noticed more Canadian flags and signs popping up at stores across to signal what is locally made.

The ‘Buy Canadian’ movement continues to grow across the country as trade tensions with the United States drag on.

For local small businesses, it’s a chance to show support for the country. Cedar and Co. Food Market in the Glebe has not only put up signs for what’s made in Canada, they have also pulled most of their American products off store shelves.

“It does make it a little bit easier to make those choices on the fly,” said Katrina Siks, who was shopping with her two kids. “When you’ve got two kids distracting you and you just have to grab something off the shelf.”

Siks is opting in for the “Buy Canadian” movement, a sign of patriotism for many shoppers who are choosing Canadian-made products over American.

“I think the recent events have given a great and mobilizing reason to sort of galvanize around local products and support our country and our economy,” said Siks.

“As soon as the tariffs were in motion, we jumped on board,” said Aaron Luijkenaar, manager at Cedar & Co. Food Market. “From what I’ve heard, we’re down to about 10 per cent American products.”

Each aisle of the store shows labels on products, signaling what’s Canadian grown and manufactured. Some include the province the item was made in and what’s specifically from Ottawa. American and Mexican products are also labelled.

“I think it’s great. I think Canadians have really come together and I think part of it is to show that we really appreciate this country,” said shopper Angela Sumegi. “I know I do, and we really want to be and remain under Canadian values.”

The movement has been gaining traction for weeks, but experts say it could be pricey to keep up with.

“Some folks are struggling financially, particularly Gen-Z folks,” said Bruce Winder, a retail expert.

“They may want to shop Canadian, but they might not be able to afford it in some cases if the Canadian product is more expensive. I think Canadians are trying to support it as best they can, given their budget constraints.”

Winder adds he thinks the movement will help domestic suppliers give a boost to the local economy.