Why ‘buying Canadian’ isn’t as easy as it sounds [Video]

Can shrewd shopping truly help Canada push back on economic threats from the United States?

If you believe the rhetoric from some political leaders, every little bit helps — especially if consumers pay closer attention to labels.

“When you look at ‘made in Canada’ or ‘made in Ontario’ products — buy them,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who is about to call an early election partly, he says, to shore up his efforts against the looming threat of U.S. tariffs.

“Make sure we send a message to big retailers. Costco, Sobeys, Walmart, Metro and Loblaws. Buy Canadian products.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has suggested substituting Canadian-made products could help mitigate the impact of wide-ranging tariffs that U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened.

“Having Canadian consumers have alternatives… is part of how we make sure that Canadians do not bear undue costs around tariffs,” Trudeau said this week.

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