Buy Canadian First - Your destination for good shopping

 Blog post writen by: Joseph Wilburn

Canadians are a fashionable bunch, aren't we?  I know that most of you probably think of Paris and Milan when you think of fashion, but I want you to come back over to this continent for a moment and think Montreal. Yes, Montreal. It's not a huge stretch of the imagination, is it? Allow me to explain..

Tristan, a Montreal-based clothier is one of Buy Canadian First's vendors.

Tristan is pretty unique as a Canadian clothier. I want to draw attention to the fact that this is significant because not only are they based in Canada but they also use Canadian textiles producers to make some of their creations. They have decided that a strategy of harmonization between Asian sub-contractors and Canadian textiles manufactuerers works in the interest of its customers. As well, they control the design, manufacture and distribution of their own collections.

Happily for us guys, Tristan has not only a women's line but also men's wear . I know I like it when apparel companies realize that men want to look good and make a favourable impression, too. If that wasn't enough to sway you, Tristan's prices are very reasonable for clothes that look this good. You don't need to take my word for it because Tristan lists prices on their website. Talk about killing the notion that looking good in Canadian aparel costs tons of money.

From inner basics to outwear, casual to commanding, I know you will see something you like from Tristan's collections. Their style is decidedly hip yet not so trendy that you feel like you're only going to be wearing your new duds once or twice and then they're no longer relevant. Tristan recognizes that good clothes are an investment that gives returns over the long-term.

You know, we Canadians really appreciate any statement when it comes from those who understand us most and Tristan has done that. Be sure to check out their stores in the major cities of Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and BC and their website for their latest collections and offerings.

Photo: Tristan

 Blog post written by: Joseph Wilburn

With the barrage of horrendous news for Canada's manufacturers constantly in the media spotlight, I wanted to get the news out about something positive going on in our manufacturing sector: Canada's a leader in the green technology movement.

What that means is that we produce many computer and computer components here in Canada. When you choose to buy products they produce, that helps to support your local computer manufacturer and do something good for the environment at the same time.

It seems as though the smaller local guys are doing it right when it comes to providing quality products (like Intel) but manufactuered here in Canada. In the past, many local computer companies found it hard to compete with the bigger computer companies especially lacking their large marketing budgets. Today, even though marketing plays a role in driving sales, the rise of the conscientious consumer has helped erode the marketing dominance of the big boys.

Here in Canada, we have no fewer than 4 manufacturers: MDG (headquartered in Oakville, On), Northern Micro (from Ottawa, On), and Ciara Tech (based in Montreal, Qc), that produce systems that are compliant with EPEAT standard. This standard has been developed to help environmentally conscious consumers in choosing electronics that support their needs. This is in addition to other industry supported standards like Energy Star and Electronic Product Stewardship Canada (EPSC) designed to serve this same community of consumers from product creation to management of electronic waste.

It's really a win-win situation when you can buy from Canadian electronics manufacturers and know that they are helping contribute to the solution to reduce energy use and electronic waste production. I'd encourage everyone to take a look at all these manufacturers and the associated industry websites and make an informed choice on which products will serve your needs.

Photo by: aiming for you, flickr, creative commons

 Blog post writen by: Joseph Wilburn

If you're a Canadian entrepreneur, maker or seller of Canadian-made goods, then I'm talking to you.

Did you know that your fellow Canadians really want to do business with you? They just need a little extra help finding you and your products. That's where Buy Canadian First comes in. We are a site dedicated to building a community that connects Canadian consumers with Canadian vendors (that would be you!) resulting in made-in-Canada shopping bliss!

We can showcase your goods on our website and talk about them on our blog. Everyone's business needs a little extra coverage and feedback right? That's what we aim to do at Buy Canadian First: increase the visibility of quality Canadian-made products in an ever louder marketplace.

So come on in and take a look around! If you'd like a quote or if you have any questions, feel free to contact our Founder & Managing Director (email: isabelleremy (at) buycanadianfirst (dot) ca).

List your Canadian-made products on Buy Canadian First and get your piece of the pie! 

Photo Credit: orange42, Flickr.com (creative commons)

 Blog post writen by: Joseph Wilburn

When you think of Alberta, I'll bet images of endless grassland prairies, the Rocky Mountains, cowboys and oil rigs enter your mind. You'd be correct for thinking of those things, for they do exist there, but I bet you didn't think of Ammolites, a true Made-in-Canada gem!

What exactly are ammolites? They are an organic gemstone found primarily in Alberta south of Lethbridge near the St. Mary River. Ammolites are the fossils of ammonites, an ancient, nautilus-like sea creature that cruised the depths of the Western Interior Seaway. The Western Interior Seaway (also called the Bearpaw Sea) was a shallow sea that covered present-day Alberta during the mid-Cretaceous period, 145 to 65 million years ago.

To date, ammolites are only mined in Alberta, by Korite International. It's also interesting to note that Korite employs local Blood Tribe First Nation's locals in the area. That makes these gemstones truly a Canadian phenomenon. Ammolites are the rarest gemstone in the world. They are commonly used in Asia where it has a strong market presence. There it is called the "seven colour prosperity stone" for feng shui purposes. It's beautiful, iridescent glow comes from the substance aragonite, the same substance that gives mother-of-pearl similar qualities. Very cool, don't you think?

Over the several years I lived in Alberta, I actually had never heard of ammolites. I wish I had. They are not only an unusual and eclectic gem but they are also a piece of prehistory. I've been continually amazed at the natural beauty and gifts of the Wild Rose Province and ammolites are just one more thing to be in awe over. Now, you might not be able to get you own bit of the Alberta oil sands delivered to your house, but you can check out our website's jewelry section (come back often as we are adding more and more of these beauties to the catalogue). Check out this beautiful selection available at The Shopping Channel.

 Blog post writen by: Joseph Wilburn

It's after Labour Day, so now I can talk about this subject without fear of retribution from those who..well..don't want to think about the OTHER seasons Canada has other than summer.

I'm talking about bedding. With the advent of cooler weather not too far away, it's time to start thinking about keeping warm in winter. I don't think there is any better way to do this than bedding made from goose down. Fortunately enough, we have a vendor here on Buy Canadian First - Westex International who can fit the bill. Made-in-Canada from down provided by Canadian Hutterites from Saskatchewan, you can keep warm and comfy while knowing you've supported a Canadian textile manufacturer. Do you have allergies and can't have down bed linens? No worries. Westex has a process to help combat that situation. But, many of Westex's lines come in synthetic versions, too.

Westex provides several brand lines of bed linens depending on your budget and lifestyle:

• For the sleek and sophisticated, their Urban Loft line fits your need.
• If you're price conscious, but still looking for quality and style, check out the Four Seasons and Comfort assured lines.
• Want to be sure to keep out the chill? Check out the Sub Zero and Polar Gear lines.
• Westex has a line of their Premium pillows and their Plantium line of waterproof mattress and pillow protectors.

Even if you happen to come across this article and happen to be the hospitality business, they probably have a product that will fit your needs.

For the eco-conscious among you, take note that they company is changing their packaging to a more environmentally friendly embroidered package. As well, they have an exclusive line called the Raymond Waites line which contains a new, innovative down solution called Lyocell Down and packaged in the new embroidered bag.

So, check out Westex International and get warm and toasty!

Photo: Westex International

Recently, I spent a weekend in Ottawa with friends. Although the weather did not cooperate, we still had a great time. Ottawa is one of my favourite Canadian cities, and I try to visit from Montreal as often as I can. I love the history, architecture, art, shopping and great food. By the way, next time you're in the ByWard market area stop by Cafe Shafali for some of the best Indian food this side of Mumbai. Yumm! But I digress...

After lunch, we took a guided tour of the Parliament. Such a great and beautiful building, once you pass the airport-like security checks. Last time I went was 1998 and we could go in and out as we pleased, but alas no more of that. Of course, I could not resist the gift shop at the end of the tour. Now picture this: I am in Canada's Parliament buildings, the seat of Canadian power, paid-for and maintained by Canadian tax dollars. I'm looking for something for my son, when I spot a cute little RCMP bear keychain.

I check the label, as I do almost obsessively nowadays, and I realize that the bear is imported from Asia. It also carries a tag proudly stating that "...the Royal Canadian Mounted Police continue to be one of Canada's most recognizable symbols...", adding that this is an "Official Product Under License From The Mounted Police Foundation". Now what's wrong with this picture?

Let me give you another hint. I also notice a vinyl document holder adorned with Canada's Coat of Arms.

Pretty official Canadian stuff, especially when sold in the Parliament's gift shop, right? I have to really dig to find the label on this one but when I do, again I realize it's an imported product. The descriptive tag is easier to find, and states "...the crest marks Canada's sovereignty..." Really? I should think a sovereign country would ensure it puts its citizens to work by selling souvenirs that tourists and Canadians alike would be proud to bring home as a reminder of their visit. Don't you?

Here's my pet peeve: It really bugs me that so many Canadian souvenirs are not made in Canada. What's up with that? Who wants to buy a moose head Christmas ornament as a souvenir of their trip to Canada, only to find a Made in China label on it? (yes, I know, who wants to buy a moose head Christmas ornament anyway... That would be me, I collect them... The ornaments, not the moose heads ;-)

To be completely honest, the majority of items in the gift store were made in Canada. So that's great. But why not strive for 100% consistency, especially on Parliament Hill? My point is, we make great souvenirs here, from arts & crafts to t-shirts, even stuffed animals! For example, check out our office mascot, Seamus (named after Seamus O'Regan, but that's the subject of a an entire different post...), available at Ontario Parks stores online.

One day, when I visit China, I'll make sure the souvenirs I bring back are made in China. Until then, if you come across some great Canadian-made souvenirs, drop us a line!

Happy hunting!