Buy Canadian First - Your destination for good shopping

This time last year, I was packing my bags and gearing up to leave the country on Canada Day  to visit a very special someone. This Canada Day, the reason that I left the country last year, will be sitting at my side in Southern Manitoba! It will be a brilliant day! Environment Canada  is forecasting a sunny and sultry thirty degrees for Sunday afternoon here. The problem is not the weather but what we could be doing, as there are so many Canada Day activities within thirty minutes of where we sit.

Emerson Manitoba  is having a weekend celebration starting with a pancake breakfast Saturday morning and a large firework show Sunday night. There are some great events including a belly dancing performance , a chain saw wood sculptor and pony rides!! Altona has a Sunday celebration ending in fireworks that includes free swimming at the Aquatic centre . Altona will also host a find-the-flag contest, Mennonite foods, a chalk drawing contest and cake at  five pm! In fact, many Manitoba towns have a lot to offer for Canada Day Celebrations and I am partial to the small town festivals. The crowds are tolerable and it doesn't take ages to leave once it's done.

There are some must-have, Canadian-made items that one needs for Canada Day! We need to keep snacks and beverages cool on the side of the road while enjoying the parade. Buy Canadian First member, Cascades, has their ThermaFresh^TM recycled cardboard picnic cooler . Made of seventy per cent recycled materials, it is also recyclable, unlike other temporary cooling units. Of course, Canada Day is often an outdoor event and being outside from pancake breakfast to fireworks leaves you vulnerable to the elements. Sun care is important and Buy Canadian First Member, Heiko, has a great selection of sunscreens including this SPF 40 for children. Once dusk arrives, make sure that you are wearing loose fitting clothing to help prevent mosquito bites but if you find that they are getting really nasty, Buy Canadian First member Muskol  to keep the insects away.

Whatever I may be doing on Canada Day, I will be doing it with loved ones and friends, as well as thirty million other fabulous Canadians. Cheers Canada, Happy 145th Birthday!! Don't forget to enter our fabulous Canada Day giveaway!

What are you doing this Canada Day? 

Photo credits: Buy Canadian First Members Cascades, Heiko and Muskol 

Nice to be back on the set of Canada AM!

And this time, our segment is a little different… well actually, I should say it’s different in a very BIG way! You see, this time we set-up an entire room to talk about Made-in-Canada: the All-Canadian Bedroom! We wanted to demonstrate how you could create an entire room with furnishings made in Canada.

You can watch the segment here. 

The centerpiece of every bedroom, of course, is the mattress. And the one we are featuring today is an amazing one, made in Quebec by Essentia. It’s the world’s ONLY natural memory foam mattress. All other memory foam mattresse out there are petroleum-based, which means they gives off loads of VOCs that you end up breathing all night long. Not this one. Made from the sap of the rubber tree, to which essential oils, plant extracts and water is added, Essentia mattresses are the ultimate in comfort & health. And yes, there’s even one for your pooch!

On such a healthy base, we just had to seek out the best organic cotton sheets we could find. And we found them at Dream Designs in Vancouver. They come is 16 beautiful colours and I’m so glad we had the turquoise ones to show today. How gorgeous are those!? Made in Canada for over 30 years, these sheets will make you forget all others. An investment worth making, for a good (and healthy) night’s sleep!

And to complete the natural & healthy theme, what better than an alpaca “duvet” handmade by Salem Alpacas in Ontario. Of course, it’s not a “duvet” in the traditional sense of the word, as no feathery friends were sacrificed for the use of their feathers. This one is made with alpaca fiber, a light, natural, renewable fiber sheared from the alpaca (similar to a lama) each Spring. Warm in the winter and cool in the summer, it is also naturally dust-mite resistant and hypo-allergenic. What's not to love about that!

The stylish & contemporary bedside tables and bureau are part of the Fynn collection, made in Quebec by South Shore Furniture. A third-generation family business, South Shore specializes in bedroom sets (master, kids, nursery) and home entertainment units made of particle board and MDF and using recycled fibres. All their collections meet and even exceed the ultra-low North-American formaldehyde emission levels required by the California Air Resource Board (CARB). Their furniture can be purchased pre-assembled in stores, or ready-to-assemble and delivered to your door. It has it all: style, function and affordability! Check out their brand new website to see their entire collection and lot's of great design tips!

 

And what about that gorgeous Othello upholstered chair made in Winnipeg by Palliser! Confortable, stylish and timeless. A beautiful houndstooth pattern in taupe, with solid dark wood legs. I love the fact that you can mix and match designs and coverings to create exactly the look you want. That's something you can never do with imports! 

And finally, last but definitely not least, how cool is that adult onesie from Strong & Free!? The ultimate sleepwear or loungewear, it’s made with care in Nova Scotia. And yes, it has a “bum-flap”! This is a Canadian premiere and marks the national launch of this awesome must-have. You can place an order here to reserve yours today!

So that’s the All-Canadian Bedroom! Pretty impressive, eh? Again, thanks so much to the entire Canada AM team and especially to Jenny who helped us set-up behind the scenes. You rock! See you again soon!

Happy Canada Day everyone!

Images courtesy of Buy Canadian First members above.

I'm a proud Canadian. (I'm also a French-speaking, "pure wool", 12th generation Quebecer, which always makes for an interesting mix!).

I would like you to meet another proud Canadian: Denise Dow from Saint-John, NB. Denise is the creator and the force behind Strong & Free, an emblem she created for Canadians to show their pride. The emblem was first imagined in Denise's backyard, inspired by leaves fallen from her beautiful maple tree and by our national anthem. It's a beautiful symbol for Canada, and one that deserves to be better known.

 

In business for almost five years now, Denise has succeeded in getting some of her Canadian-made Stanfield's licensed apparel into Sears stores across the country this year for Canada Day. Quite an accomplishment and something to be very proud of! Well done, Denise!

And best of all, they are currently on SALE at your local Sears store for $14.99 a piece, but only while supplies last! So get yours today! Or, you could actually win a set....keep reading...!

Coming this Fall, Denise is introducing THE quintessential Canadian loungewear: the Onesie! Made in Nova Scotia by iconic Stanfield's, it's sure to be a hit! Orders are rushing in, and the product has not even been launched officially yet (value: $67)! But you could win one....read on...!

In honour of Canada Day, we have teamed up with Denise to bring you an exclusive and totally awesome Strong & Free giveaway! Up for grabs, (in addition to the items above):

Decorative house plaque made in Quebec. Crafted in 3D aluminum and hand-painted with an antique finish. A beautiful addition to your home, cottage or business. (value: $99)

Canadian Pride replica hockey jersey made in Quebec. - 100% Polyester AK Knit jersey with sublimated maple leaf design. Available in red or white. (value: $109)

Pewter items made in Nova Scotia by Aitkens Pewter. Belt buckle, keychain, ornament and lapel pin (value: $ 46)

Strong & Free patch, 100% made in Canada! $4.00 from each patch sold is donated to the V.E.T.S., the reason why we are Strong & Free today! Lest we forget. (value: $10)

Color Me Canadian! coloring book. Learn all about Canada in English and French with this fun learning book that covers this great country from sea to sea to sea! (value: $6.50)

Over $350 worth of awesome patriotic goodies made in Canada! How great is that, eh?

To enter the giveaway, do as many of the three following things as possible, as they each count for one entry. The more, the merrier (and luckier)!

• Leave us a comment below telling us what you love most about Canada (Comments are moderated, so don't panic if your comment doesn't show up right away!); 
• Follow us on Twitter  and tweet the following: @BuyCndianFirst + @StrongAndFreeEm love #madeincanada. I entered their #CanadaDay #giveaway here:  http://bit.ly/Men0Ek

• Like us on Facebook.

The giveaway ends on Saturday, June 30th at 5:00 PM ET. We will pick one name at random from all entries and the winner will be announced on Canada Day, Sunday July 1st.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. CONGRATS TO OUR WINNER: EVA, FROM EDMONTON, AB.

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED. YOUR COMMENTS WERE TRULY INSPIRATIONAL!

Good luck!

Images courtesy of Strong & Free.

It's here at last: Canada Day! Time to celebrate our great nation, come together with our family, friends and neighbours and just hang out and have a good time!

For me, it's also time to share with you some of the cool You Tube videos Made in Canada created by fellow Canadiens. So here they are, in no particular order:

1)  William and Kate - Royal Tour of Canada 2011 (1:54)

2) Canada Eh! (1:25)

3) This land is your land ''Canada'' (2:42)

4) I am Canadian theme: PROUD TO BE CANADIAN! (1:29)

5) The Canadian Ceasar, eh? (3:40)

6) You Can in Canada © (3:05)

7) Canadian History in 2 mn (1:58)

8) Michael Mitchell ''Canada in my Pocket'' (4:03)

9) Classified - ''Oh.....Canada!'' - Official Video (4:39)

10) Why is Canada Priceless ? #16 (0:06)

Do you have a favourite video about Canada? Please share it with us, we'd love to see it!

We are really looking forward to Canada Day this year as our town always puts on some fantastic events. There're rides and bouncy houses for the kids, great food, made in Canada, from local vendors, music and more. Check out the Canadian Hertiage website for some of the events happening around the nation.

Along with the day time events, a fantastic way to celebrate Canada Day always includes fireworks at night! Many cities hold a public fireworks display on Canada Day including ours - and what luck - it's happening right across the street from us!! With two three year olds, we'll be enjoying the fireworks at home this year since it's so close. I wanted to pick up some Canada themed items for our party at home. I just had a look and surprise - the Canadian themed t-shirts for my boys, as well as the napkins, cups, plates, table decorations and blow up balls all say "Product of the U.S.A". Can you believe it? So with Canada Day here, this is also a great time to look at the Canadian made products in your home and even more so - what is not made in Canada.

Next time I plan a Canada Day celebration I'll be sure to pick up some Canadian made products such as these cocktail napkins by Red Canoe.

RCMP Cocktail Napkins - Red Canoe

A Roots Canada T-Shirt for my boys would be a much better idea than the ones that I actually bought.

Roots Canada T-Shirt

At least one thing I know will be Canadian for our party - the food! We'll be picking up locally made pizza and treats from our farmers market on Saturday.

Are you planning a Canada Day party this weekend? Have a peek at where your party products are made. You might be surprised!

by Stacey Kazmir

Images courtesy of Buy Canadian First members Roots Canada and Red Canoe.

SK: I have always loved hearing stories about where people get their ideas, such as J.K. Rowling's famous story about the Harry Potter characters walking into her head while she was on a train. Passionate about products made in Canada, founder of Buy Canadian First, Isabelle Remy, also has a story that I love to read, and which she relates here

SK: Isabelle, so much has happened since your 'light bulb moment' about made in Canada products. When you look back on the last four years what are your first thoughts?

IR: I'm very proud of what we have accomplished so far. We were really the first company to go out there and promote products based on their country of origin. It had never been done before, on this scale, at least. Many proud Canadians had created (and continue to create) small websites dedicated to 'Made in Canada', and we are really inspired by that! But to build an entire marketing/advertising/communications business dedicated to promoting Canadian companies and Canadian products, that was a first. We continue to grow and add services to our offering that we never thought would be available to us, such as TV segments. The business has really taken on a life of its own, and I'm really proud of that!

IR: I was blown away! And still am today. Whenever I hear people saying "Even if I wanted to buy Canadian, I can't because we don't make anything in this country anymore.", it drives me nuts! That is a huge mistake and such a great disservice to all Canadians busy making great products! So wherever and whenever I can contribute to dismissing that rumour, I do!


SK: What has been the biggest challenge in providing information on Canadian made products?

IR: Finding them! When we started in 2007, it was so difficult to find information about Canadian-made products. It still is today, but to a lesser extent. We like to think we have been instrumental in opening manufacturers' eyes to this great big market of consumers looking for products that are made in Canada. I don't know if it has something to do with Canadian modesty or what, but we need to be cheer-leading a bit more for our country!


SK: I love watching the videos of you visiting morning news shows, such as your recent visit with /A\ Morning Ottawa. How to do you feel about being able to promote Canadian companies on TV?

IR: Thanks! It is often nerve-wracking because I want to represent our members to the best of my abilities, and live TV is not easy! Time flies and the first thing you know is that it's over and you wish you had more time! It's never about me being on camera, but always about promoting the great Canadian-made products I bring. I am very passionate about what I do and people tell me they can feel it, so I guess that's good!  


SK: I actually hadn't realized that Mr. Freeze was made in Canada! So glad I learned that during your /A\ Morning Ottawa segment! Have there ever been any companies or products that really surprised you when you found out they were Canadian?

IR: I know, isn't that great about Mr. Freeze! We all grew up with that brand, and they are such an amazing company. They support many local charities and events and are always ready to jump in and lend a hand. Shout out to them! I am often pleasantly surprised by the variety of products made in Canada. We expect lots of food products to be made here, for example, but rubber boots? Gardening tools? the world's only natural memory foam mattress? Awesome!


SK: I love that the internet and social media have made it much easier to find out about companies in general - they tweet, they post on Facebook, you really feel there are real people out there again. How has social media helped with the challenge of finding products made in Canada?

IR: Social media has really changed the way people do business, in every industry. It's now so easy to make other companies (prospects, service providers, etc) aware of your existence simply by engaging with them on Twitter & Facebook in a direct and personal way. It is getting easier to make alliances with like-minded individuals and really develop productive relationships faster. So many new Canadian friends!


SK: Has anyone ever asked about a product made in Canada that you had to tell them simply wasn't made by any Canadian company?

IR: Yes, sadly. Electronics are an obvious one, as well as small kitchen appliances, sneakers, etc. It's a sign of the times. Some manufacturing will never return, but I have faith that with the rise in oil prices and standards of living in Asia, the phenomenon of "reverse globalisation" (where manufacturing starts to return to the western world) will happen sooner or later. It's my favourite expression!


SK: Thanks so much for sharing with us, Isabelle. What's coming up in the next few months on BuyCanadianFirst.ca?

IR: Thanks for asking! Ahead, lots of new promotional events in store to continue to highlight the amazing products made in this great country of ours. Stay tuned for behind the scene info, getting to know the people behind the brands, and lots more contests and giveaways!

But for now: Happy Canada Day everyone! Let's get out there and celebrate the best country in the world, count our blessings and just have a good time!

Isabelle.

Interview by Stacey Kazmir

Photo by Lisa Howard.

Here at Buy Canadian First, Canada Day is our favourite day of the year - well, after Christmas to be totally honest...;-) We are putting together a series of special blog posts running up to the big day, so keep your eyes peeled: lot's of great Made in Canada products to be won!

Today we're thrilled to announce our Great Canada Day Giveaway, which is being co-hosted by Ginger Mommy, a lovely Mom from Ontario. It is part of The Great Canadian Blog Bash, an event that brings together bloggers from all across our beautiful land. Follow it on Twitter at #TGCBB. What a party!

Our prize pack is filled to the brim with over $ 400 worth of Canadian-made products for the whole family. Here is what's up for grabs:

Men's cyclist carbon lazer bib, made in Quebec by Louis Garneau ($ 169.99): 

Men's cyclist Canada jersey, made in Quebec also by Louis Garneau ($ 94.99):

  
Official federal-government issued Canadian flag, made in Quebec by L'Étendard ($49.99): 

Gardener's Dream Cream, made in B.C. by Aroma Crystal ($39.99):

Guest book with photos of the Northern lights, created in Alberta by artist Anna Butler ($19.95):

. 

Professor Noggin's History of Canada card game, made in B.C. by Outset Media ($12.99): 

Professor Noggin's Geography of Canada card game, made in B.C. also by Outset Media ($12.99):

Dark chocolate açai & blueberry, made in B.C. by Brookside Foods ($ 4.99): 

Dark Chocolate pomegranate, made in B.C. also by Brookside Foods ($4.99): 

5 RimRollers, specially branded for Buy Canadian First and made in Ontario by Novel Solutions ($ 2.49 each = $ 12.45): 

For contest rules and to find out how to enter, click here.

Good luck & happy countdown-to-Canada-Day!

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. 

Images courtesy of Buy Canadian First members

After renting a cottage last year and in anticipation of more made in Canada cottage adventures in the future, my husband thought it would be a good idea to take the Boaters Exam so we can rent a boat next time. With the Canada Day long weekend coming up, and the great weather we've been having, this would also be a fantastic time to go boating. You must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card to operate any powered boat. What's great though, is that once you have the card, it's good for a lifetime. My husband used Boaterexam.com - taking the three hour, in-class course where the exam follows at the end and you get a temporary card right there if you pass.

Once you have the card you are ready to rent (or maybe even purchase) a boat. Please remember that everyone must be wearing a life jacket at all times while on a pleasure craft. Not having a life jacket will cost you $250 (each) if you’re stopped by a police marine patrol - but even more important is your safety. A good Canadian-made life jacket you can pick up is one from Buy Canadian First member - Salus Marine.

Abacus Sail adult life vest - Salus Marine

Many other pieces of equipment are required to be on a powered boat at all times, such as a sound-signalling device, a hand-bailer or manual pump, a buoyant heaving line and more. If the police stop your boat for a safety check you could be fined up to $200 for each piece of missing equipment. Boats can be rented for as little as one hour or as long as seven days or more, depending on what you are looking to do and how much you are willing to spend. Renting a boat is not cheap. Depending on the marina you are renting a boat from, you may have the option of having the boat delivered to where you are staying or, if the marina is on the same lake you wish to use the boat, you can pick the boat up there. While there is still some confusion on the subject, it's possible that you may not need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card to rent a boat. Sometimes you just have to fill out a rental boat safety checklist. Check with your marina on the subject before assuming anything, though.

If you plan on doing some fishing while on the boat, remember that your province may require you to carry a fishing licence. Don't forget some Canadian made fishing lures, too, such as those made by Buy Canadian First member, Lucky Strike.

Fishing Lure - Lucky Strike

To celebrate Canada Day and safe boating, we are giving away a Salus Marine life jacket (made in Canada, of course!) with a retail value of over $ 125.00!

How can you get your hands on that beauty? Simple, each of the following actions will give you one chance, so the more the merrier!

1) Like us on Facebook and leave a comment mentioning ''Salus Marine giveaway'';

2) Follow us on Twitter or DM us mentioning ''Salus Marine giveaway'';

3) Leave a comment below telling us what's your favourite thing made in Canada.

The winner will be picked at random the day before Canada Day. Good luck! 

by Stacey Kazmir

Images courtesy of Buy Canadian First Members Salus Marine and Lucky Strike.

Canada Flag - Flying Colours

I love a parade! Every Canada Day, Husband, Mother and I make a point of joining our fellow Canadians on George Street in Peterborough, Ontario, for another Canada Day Parade! We Peterboroughians line the street with our folding chairs, our waving flags, ubiquitous water bottles, cameras at the ready, littlest kids right up front so they can see!

We live close to the parade location downtown, but several of the streets are blocked off and picking up Mom, and getting her as close as possible to our vantage point, can be tricky. Mom is going to be 93 on July 3, so we like to start the birthday party off with a parade, and we invite the rest of the country to take part!

Canopy Chair - Canadian Tire 

The checklist is the same every year, but that never seems to make it easier! Grab the special folding chair with the 'sunroof' for Mom, two more chairs for Husband and myself, water bottles, sunscreen, hats, preferably with maple leafs on them, camera, extra batteries, picnic blanket and the picnic cooler! Don't forget the tissues, for when I tear up, over and over again! Throw in some bug spray, just to be safe!

Bug Joose - All Things Jill 

After the parade, we turn around, gather our gear, and head into beautiful Crary Park, on the shores of Little Lake. There is a stage there and booths set up, for a truly Canadian,  multi-cultural celebration of food and talent!

 Coleman Cooler - Canadian Tire

The grass is the perfect place to lay out our picnic blanket and cooler, with hundreds of others of people doing the same. Families and friends wander about, greeting neighbours and visitors.  The heady scents of various treats mingle in the air with the music coming from the stage. Our sandwiches and coleslaw never taste as good as this in the house! We inevitably supplement what we brought with fresh, hot mini doughnuts and cotton candy! Fantastic!

The snacking and variety show continues all day until the big concert in the evening, followed by fireworks lighting up the sky over the lake! Another perfect Canada Day in the best country on Earth... and a great start to Mom's birthday!

 How are you celebrating Canada Day this year?