Canadian support for domestic goods has seen a resurgence in the wake of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s passionate address in Davos, Switzerland, last week, which captivated a global audience.
Carney openly criticized the U.S., amid ongoing tensions fueled by a trade war initiated by the American president.
In a survey conducted by 1130 NewsRadio in Vancouver, locals shared their views on the importance of buying Canadian products in light of recent events. One man firmly stated, “Yeah, I don’t buy American,” a sentiment echoed by many others.
A woman mentioned, “My family and my boyfriend’s family always opt for Canadian products to show our support.” Another man expressed, “I choose to buy Canadian to bolster our nation.”
Moreover, a woman admitted to shifting towards local purchases, emphasizing the significance of supporting Canadian businesses during these times.
Moshe Lander, an economist at Concordia University in Montréal, highlighted the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks on Canadian sentiment. Lander pointed out a significant decline in travel numbers and cross-border traffic, indicating a tangible effect on the relationship between the two nations.
He questioned Canada’s capability to fulfill its needs independently from the U.S., suggesting a potential shift away from reliance on American trade.
Lander acknowledged a diminishing emphasis on ‘Buy Canadian,’ attributing it to annoyance rather than shock as observed a year ago. He anticipated a gradual return to normalcy once the current tensions subside.
He speculated that as Trump’s presidency progresses, Canadians may resume leisure travel to the U.S., albeit with a heightened awareness of the past strained relations.
The ‘Buy Canadian’ initiative, initiated by the federal government, aims to prioritize domestic products in procurement decisions, aligning with efforts to bolster the Canadian economy.