Since the initiation of tariffs on Canadian goods by the United States in early 2025, Francine Piché has been adamant about avoiding American products whenever possible. Living in Burlington, Ontario, she prioritizes Canadian products, followed by non-U.S. options, and refrains from purchasing American goods.
Piché has taken steps to switch to Canadian personal care brands, terminate her Amazon membership, and forego a planned trip to New York to prevent her spending from going to the U.S., unless there are no viable alternatives. However, with the recent enforcement of new 50 per cent U.S. tariffs after failed trade negotiations, she has decided to eliminate all exceptions.
The family is set to discontinue their remaining American streaming service subscriptions upon renewal, and Piché intends to part ways with some gluten-free U.S.-made foods she enjoys, despite the challenge of finding substitutes.
Expressing her unwavering determination, Piché stated, “My resolve is strengthened. That’s the only way that I can fight back.”
Following a surge in the Buy Canadian movement due to renewed trade tensions with the U.S., consumers are increasingly turning to Canadian products. The influx of new members to the Made in Canada Facebook group, which already boasts over 1.4 million members sharing information on Canadian-made products, reflects this trend.
Jayne Little, an administrator from Glen Morris, Ontario, noted a 300 per cent increase in the group’s views in August compared to June 2026, with over 1,000 pending member requests. She highlighted the current discussions in the group as more nuanced and thoughtful compared to those in 2025, focusing on sourcing Canadian alternatives for various consumer needs.
Similarly, other platforms and apps providing information on Canadian products have observed heightened traffic recently. Ryan Checora, a web developer, mentioned a significant uptick in downloads for his app, O SCANada, which helps users identify products’ country of origin.
Despite the surge in Buy Canadian sentiment, some consumers still prioritize price over the origin of products amid escalating trade tensions between Canada and the U.S. Lauren Hung in Vancouver emphasized cost as a primary concern when grocery shopping, acknowledging the appeal of local products but being mindful of prices.
David Hardisty, a marketing professor at the University of British Columbia, highlighted that consumers may be more inclined to avoid American products for discretionary items while necessities might still lead them to purchase non-Canadian goods.
In contrast, Canadian brands like Peace by Chocolate from Antigonish, Nova Scotia, have experienced increased support during this period. Tareq Hadhad, the company’s founder, noted a surge in web traffic and emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses.
Hadhad temporarily halted shipments to the U.S. amid the trade war, emphasizing the significance of non-American support. He emphasized the current spike in backing for Canadian brands and unity among consumers in prioritizing Canadian products.
The Buy Canadian movement has gained momentum, with consumers recognizing the impact of their purchasing decisions and showing solidarity with Canadian businesses. This resurgence reflects a shift in consumer behavior towards supporting local products and businesses in response to ongoing trade uncertainties.