Since early 2025, when the U.S. imposed tariffs on Canada, Francine Piché has been consciously avoiding purchasing American products. The Burlington, Ont., resident prioritizes Canadian goods, followed by non-U.S. alternatives, and avoids American products whenever possible.
Piché has made significant changes in her consumer habits, switching personal care brands, ending her Amazon membership, and scrapping plans for a New York trip to minimize spending in the U.S. However, the recent enforcement of new 50 per cent U.S. tariffs has solidified her decision to completely halt purchases from the States.
Her family intends to discontinue their American streaming service subscriptions upon renewal, and Piché plans to forego some of her favorite gluten-free U.S.-made foods, despite struggling to find substitutes. She remains resolute in her stance, citing it as her way to push back against the trade situation.
Following a resurgence in the Buy Canadian movement due to renewed trade tensions, consumers are increasingly shifting towards Canadian products. The Made in Canada Facebook group, with over 1.4 million members, has observed a 300 per cent surge in views this August compared to June 2026.
The group administrator, Jayne Little from Glen Morris, Ont., notes a shift in discussions towards more sophisticated considerations of fall shopping habits and a preference for Canadian sources. Users are also exploring alternatives to American-owned social media platforms and subscriptions.
In response to the growing interest in Canadian products, apps like O SCANada, which provides country-of-origin information for products, have experienced a significant uptick in downloads. The app’s developer, Ryan Checora, is encouraged by the rising interest in supporting local products.
Despite escalating trade tensions, some consumers still prioritize price over the origin of products. However, businesses like Peace by Chocolate from Antigonish, N.S., have seen increased support from Canadians, leading to a surge in web traffic and potential sales.
Tareq Hadhad, the CEO of Peace by Chocolate, acknowledges the current spike in support for Canadian brands and the display of national pride by consumers. He emphasizes the importance of backing Canadian businesses during these challenging times and has halted shipments to the U.S. in solidarity.
The Buy Canadian movement continues to resonate with consumers, who have realized the impact of their purchasing decisions. With the current sentiment against the U.S. administration, Canadians are demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting homegrown products and businesses.