The Canadian response to Trump tariffs does not have to be, nor should it be exclusively anti-American, but it definitely should be pro-Canada. We waste energy when we rant against Trump, even though it is emotionally satisfying.
We have the opportunity now to build Canada for Canadians and support the rest of the world. We buy from them; they buy from us. We both gain.
On the onestrongcanadian.com website, as well as on the Made in Canada 2025 app, we encourage you to set up buying groups to both purchase more Canadian goods, but also to save money doing so.
Today, we offer a few more ideas for you to fight back strong.
- Start a conversation on social media about Canadian products and challenge your friends to try something from every province.
Even if you don’t know people from every province, your network of friends and family will. Reach out and share the idea. Or ask us for “starter” ideas.
- Search online for a Canadian product that is similar to a popular American one and post about it.
We did that, early this year, with our web hosting and app developers. While the Canadian providers didn’t have all the features we needed, we did find a Lithuanian company (Hostinger) that provided everything we needed for our websites at 1/3 the cost of GoDaddy. We also found an app developer in India (webtonative) that was very inexpensive and provided great service, along with a podcast host in Sweden (Acast). We found a popcorn supplier in Ontario (Uncle Bob’s, but not the same as the Utah company by the same name) to replace all the American varieties.
- Experiment with different restaurants serving ethnic dishes from around the world, then try making an entrée or dessert using authentic ingredients from that locale.
This is a great way to expand your diet and learn about other cultures. Much of the ethnic raw ingredients are grown or made in Canada, as well.
- Add a piece of furniture or décor from another country, or uniquely Canadian.
There are scores of Canadian furniture makers, both custom and mass-produced. There are tons of importers eager to supply stuff from around the world. Support such third-world businesses as are found in Global Village shops across the country or visit local artisans at trade or craft shows.
- Ask your extended family to only exchange gifts made outside the US and preferably in Canada.
We have a custom of not exchanging gifts, but each of us donating to World Vision to pay for livestock or farm equipment in a developing country. Adjust that policy for your family by focusing on goods made locally or hand-made (hand-harvested) to support those people who struggle to make ends meet.
Let us know if you have any other ideas for all of us one strong Canadians to undertake, either on our own or with friends.