Buy Canadian First - Your destination for good shopping

My aunt Shirley died of breast cancer and my mother survived it. It is still the leading cause of death for women between the ages of thirty five and fifty. Everyone I know has been touched by this disease in one way or another. The Good Shopper blog has pulled together some wonderful, Canadian-made  Pink products for you to peruse, because good shopping is even better when it helps others!

 

1.  With Winter fast approaching, it's perfect timing for Cherry Lypsyl in the pink ribbon tube! Since last October, the company has donated $50,000 to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. This is a must-have product for your Canadian Winter Survival Kit! How cool that a percentage of every purchase goes to the cause! 

 

Lypsyl 

2. Chapped lips usually has a friend ... frizzy hair! Winter air, indoor heating, hats, you know what I'm talking about! Apparently, a high percentage of women who go through chemotherapy treatments lose their hair and then have it grow back curly, even if it wasn't before. So Jonathan Torch, founder of Curly Hair Solutions, created a non-silicone, chemical free hair care line which includes Curl Keeper,  a great treatment for the frizzies! During the month of October, for every bottle of Curl Keeper purchased at frizzoff.com,  a loonie will be donated.

 

Limited Edition Pink Cashmere

3. Buy Canadian First member Cashmere  encourages us to be "breast aware" and to remember that early detection and treatment are saving lives. I love the limited edition Pink roll! Twenty five cents from each purchase of Cashmere Pink goes to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation! And it's Pink!

 

Pink Scotties

4. Another Buy Canadian First member has gone Pink - Scotties! I am specifically searching these out! I carry tissues with me all year round, as you know, and I even use them in my art work. How cool are pink ones! I'll stock up! The 2011 Scotties "Buttons of Love" tribute box is one of several Pink designs available through November! You can find them in a mixed six pack! Collect them all and trade them with your friends!

You can find lots and lots of great Pink products and companies behind them at the site of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation . Many of these products are things that we need and use all the time which makes it really easy to support a cause that has affected each one of us. You will find kitchenware, clothing, jewellery and accessories, sportswear and fitness products, cosmetics and tools, you name it, there is something Pink for everyone!

What Pink Product are you going to make a point of buying to show your support of Breast Cancer Awareness?

Sidebar: Have a look at this thought provoking article  that Isabelle found. Do you agree or disagree? 

 

:: images courtesy of Buy Canadian First members and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. 

Here at Buy Canadian First, we are truly blessed to be surrounded by individuals and organizations who believe in the Made in Canada message we promote, and strive to support us in very special ways.

 

One such organization is /A\ Morning in Ottawa, with whom we are proud to have been associated with for the last 2 years. The entire team, from on-air hosts to behind-the-scene producers, have always welcomed us on the show with open arms and enabled us to promote products made in Canada and the great companies who make them.

                           The set of /A\ Morning Ottawa

Cast and crew are deeply involved in the local community. They really do care, and it shows. For the past month, they have been auctioning off a selection of products and services donated by local businesses and raised almost $ 15,000 for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation!

 

Last Friday, to kick-off Ottawa's  Weekend to End Women's Cancers, the /A\ Morning team became the Pink Army and hosted a Pancake Breakfast live outside their studios in the ByWard Market. I was invited to attend, so I got up at 4 AM for the 2-hour drive from Montreal! An early start to a beautiful day, and great fun was had by all!

 

I had to return home that afternoon, but Saturday is when the real work began: a 32 km walk around the city, the first part of the 60-km walk which would take place Saturday and Sunday. Almost 1,000 walkers joined in to raise funds for this all-important cause, some walking in memory of a lost one, others in celebration of their own success in beating the disease.

 

And along the way, some sweet support from another great Canadian company: Kisko, makers of the famous Freezies! When they heard that the Pink Army was looking for some cool treats for the walkers, they graciously donated over 1,000 Freezies to the cause! A family business making Canada's favourite frozen treats since 1977, Kisko is 100% committed to supporting community events such as these. Thanks Kisko, we're so proud to have you on board at Buy Canadian First!

 

Their efforts raised more than $1.8M! Congrats to all...together, we really can make a difference!

Images courtesy of Isabelle Remy and Ziyada Callender.

 

I really enjoy reading the back stories of our Canadian entrepreneurs! They are very inspiring! I also appreciate wearing accessories like these, that have so much thought and integrity put into them. And flair!

:: all images courtesy of Buy Canadian First member Truth

L’automne est définitivement parmi nous.  Plusieurs d’entre vous êtes plus ou moins heureux de voir cette saison se montrer le bout du nez, et certains d’entre vous êtes plutôt comme moi et êtes presque jouissifs de vivre pleinement cette superbe saison et de profiter de ce que ces courtes semaines ont à nous offrir!

Le mois d’octobre est un mois rempli d’événements et d’activités à faire pour accueillir l’automne en beauté.  Un des plus importants événements selon moi est le fait qu’octobre soit le mois de la sensibilisation au cancer du sein.  Cette cause me tient fort à coeur car ma mère ainsi que ma grand-mère ont été atteintes.  Ma grand-mère a malheureusement dû se faire enlever un sein à cause de cette fâcheuse maladie, par contre ma mère heureusement s’en est bien sortie avec une chirurgie mineure et de la radiation. 

Aujourd’hui, 10 ans plus tard, je suis heureuse de savoir que ma mère a survécu et est maintenant complètement libre de cancer.  On peut tous aider à soutenir cette cause, et chaque geste, aussi petit soit-il, compte pour beaucoup.  Plusieurs marchands offrent des items que l’on peut acheter pour bénéficier la Fondation Canadienne du cancer du sein, comme par exemple Cashmere® qui fait la promotion du papier hygiénique rose. En plus, ce produit est fabriqué au Canada, donc une raison de plus de s’en procurer, car non seulement nous soutenons une bonne cause mais aussi l’économie Canadienne!

 

25¢ provenant de la vente d’articles de l’édition limitée de papier hygiénique Cashmere® rose seront remis à la Fondation canadienne du cancer du sein.

Cashmere® a également lancé un concours nommé Top création, Top cause Votez, qui est un concours où les internautes doivent voter pour leur design favori de la collection Blanc Cashmere 2010, qui est une collection de vêtements fabriqué entièrement à partir de papier hygiénique.  Non seulement Cashmere® contribuera $1.00 en votre nom à la Fondation Canadienne du cancer du sein, mais de plus, Cashmere contribuera 5 000$ à la Fondation au nom du designer qui aura reçu le plus grand nombre de vote.

Plusieurs autres marchands offrent des produits ‘roses’ faits au Canada tel que Bureau en Gros, et Foxy Originals.  Cette dernière est une compagnie qui fabrique des bijoux 100% canadiens, en plus d’offrir une collection de colliers fabriqués spécialement pour amasser des fonds pour aider à la sensibilisation au Cancer du sein.  Pour chaque collier de leur collection Pink Eco & Eden vendu, Foxy Originals fera un don de 5$ pour la sensibilisation à la cause. On peut dire que les canadiens sont non seulement fiers d’être canadien, mais aussi soucieux  de la société et des bonnes causes.

  
 
 
Donc, comme vous pouvez le constater, il est vraiment facile de contribuer à cette cause et de sensibiliser les gens.  Et ça ne s’arrête pas là, il n’y a pas que des marchands qui contribuent, mais nous pouvons tous le faire par plusieurs différents moyens.  Un de ces moyens est d’utiliser les médias sociaux, tel que Facebook. CIBC à pleinement exploiter ce dernier en lançant la page Facebook ‘Engagement communautaire CIBC’.  Cette page à pour but de sensibiliser les gens ainsi que de les encourager à soutenir différentes causes, dont celle de la Course à la vie CIBC au profit de la Fondation Canadienne du cancer du sein.  De plus, pour démontrer notre appui à la course à la vie, la page Facebook offre l’occasion de produire un cadre photo et y inscrire le nom de la personne pour qui vous courrez, télécharger sa photo puis la publier comme photo de profil.  Ce petit geste ne coûte rien, mais peut faire toute une différence dans la vie des personnes atteintes directement ou indirectement par le cancer du sein.

Pour ceux qui préfèrent contribuer directement à la cause, il est toujours possible de le faire en faisant un don à la Fondation Canadienne du cancer du sein.  Je vous encourage tous à donner à cette cause et d’offrir votre soutient car chaque don et chaque geste nous rapproche peu à peu à créer un avenir sans cancer du sein.

Et vous, que ferez-vous pour la cause?

Auteure: Annie Curran, Montreal

Welcome Yummy Mummy Club members! We're so excited to have you with us because by being here, you're also telling us that buying Canadian is important to you too! That means a lot to us.

This month, the Yummy Mummy Club and Buy Canadian First are giving away a $1,000 shopping spree to one very lucky mummy. Read the full contest details here.

 

If you're here for a clue to complete your YummyMummyClub.ca contest registration, read on, there's tons to use! 

As consumers, we've become addicted to low-cost products made abroad and sometimes get hooked into accumulating quantity over quality but in the last couple of years we have seen an emerging lifestyle shift among hundreds of thousands of Canadians who are taking buying Canadian to heart. Their reasons for doing so can be as personal as seeing a relative lose their manufacturing job, to wanting to decrease their carbon footprints by buying locally-made and locally-grown products.

The question is, which is most important to you and how far will you go to support Canada? Here are the 6 most common reasons for buying Canadian.

1. The economy

When we buy Canadian, we directly impact our economy in positive ways. Every dollar we spend in Canada has a ripple effect that far exceeds that of simple profits made by the businesses who take our money in exchange for goods or services. Regardless what sectors and industries we work in, we are all part of this cycle. We are securing jobs, helping to create new ones and let's not forget, when Canadian businesses are successful, they are in a position to give back to the communities they serve by supporting local charities, cultural associations, etc. Successfully employed Canadians and successful businesses also mean larger tax revenues towards government programs.

2. Health & safety

When we buy Canadian, we know that the products have met this country’s health & safety standards. The manufacturing industry in Canada is highly regulated, from the factories’ environmental emissions, to the quality assurance practices, to the materials used and beyond. These safety measures sometimes mean an increase in the retail price, but all things considered, isn’t it a small price to pay for peace of mind?

 

3. The environment

When we buy Canadian, we are reducing our carbon footprint, as products made closer to home require much less transportation. For example, did you know that a piece of clothing designed, manufactured and sold in Montreal requires 25 times less transportation than a similar product made in the far East?  

4. Labour standards

When we buy Canadian, we know that the people who make and sell the products are treated fairly, work in safe & sanitary conditions and often under the watchful eye of unions. We’ve all heard horror stories of sweatshops in foreign countries using children and adults as disposable labour. Thankfully, stories like that don't happen in Canada. 

5. Community

When we buy Canadian, we are contributing to the enrichment of our communities. It systematically makes us a part of something greater than ourselves and our immediate (material) needs. That one purchase we just made may contribute to the survival of a struggling local family business. Furthermore, as the gap that once existed between the consumer, the manufacturer and the retailer continues to decrease (thanks in large part to direct lines of communication that the Internet afords us), never before have consumers been able to give feedback in real time and develop and never-seen-before dialogue with these companies.

6. Patriotism

Historically, Canadian's have always been quietly patriotic. If there's one thing the world noticed during the Vancouver Olympics is that we're a proud bunch and perhaps now (post-record-breaking-Olympics) we won't be so quiet anymore. Love of Country shouldn't stop at flying a flag or wearing red (or growing a beard ;) We have every reason to be proud of our country, including the wonderful products we make here. Some consumers buy Canadian over foreign-made as a matter of principle alone. We see a "Made in Canada" label as a badge of honour. One we're proud to contribute to and want others to know about.  

The idea is not to buy Canadian only (it's impossible to do so anyway), but to consider Canadian-made products, over foreign-made ones first and buy these as often as we can.

So, why do you buy Canadian-made products?

Leave your answer on the contest form for your chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree on BuyCanadianFirst.ca (you may leave a comment here, but it does not count towards your entry into the contest) Good luck!
   

Image source: Dom Sports, Warm Buddy, P'tit Coulou, Natural Beauty Canada

 

Each year, thousands of Canadians are touched by breast cancer. It not only impacts the individuals living with the disease, but their families, friends and loved ones as well.  

These words are quoted from the member profile of Buy Canadian First member Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. It is hard not to be affected by breast cancer in one way or another and even men are not immune to this.

What is Breast Cancer?
If cancer is first found in the breast it is called breast cancer. There are various types of breast cancer and the region runs from the breast to the collarbone and from the armpit to the breast bone.

Cancer is a disease that strikes at a cellular level. Our bodies are made of up of cells that each contain our DNA which stores genetic information and the function of the cell. The DNA usually controls the function, growth and reproduction of a cell unless it is changed. Then the cells begin to grow in an uncontrolled manner. This cell growth becomes a lump and has two outcomes: They are benign (non-cancerous) and not life threatening,  or they begin to invade neighboring healthy cells and are thus called malignant. This condition is cancer. The process known as metastasis is when cancerous cells break free and spread to other parts of the body creating new malignant cell growths.

 

Be Breast Aware
The breasts change through life and being breast aware means that you are aware of how your breasts normally look and feel. This way if something does seem different you will (hopefully) notice them early.  Keep in mind that a change to the breast does not mean breast cancer, it could be a benign condition the key is to know what to look for and to discover malignant growth early. All women  of any age need to be aware. Become Breast Aware with these 5 simple steps.

 

All the Ways to Help.
Donating to the Canadian Breast Cancer foundation can be done as a single, monthly or tribute donation online, by email,  over the phone, fax or post.You could give through a personal giving or get your company involved. You could also donate to one of the many run participants of the CIBC run for the cure.

The Canadian Blood Service's tagline is ‘It's in you to give'. Do you give?
I have to admit I never have, not because I didn't want to but because I never made an effort to. In saying this I feel very thoughtless because every minute of every day a person in Canada needs blood.

The Canadian Blood Service is a not-for-profit charitable organization whose mission is to collect blood and blood products for the Canadian supply. They collect nearly 850,000 units of blood annually, about 382,500 liters,  that are processed into the components and products to be administered to thousands of patients each year. Working hand in hand with Héma-Québec to fulfill all of the nations blood needs.

So what are the components and products?

Blood or better referred to as whole blood is made of red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma and platelets. The Canadian Blood Service collects the whole blood as donations and then some is transfused and the rest will be processed for the plasma and red blood cells. Blood functions are to give oxygen to our tissues and remove carbon dioxide via the lungs.

White blood cells protect the body from infection but are removed from the whole blood through a process called leukoreduction as they are often the carriers of viruses and bacteria.

Plasma can be recovered from whole blood or donated using a process called plasmapheresis. Using an apheresis machine the blood is taken from the donor and filtered through the machine where only the plasma is extracted, the rest of the blood is then returned to the donor. Plasma is the protein-rich liquid of your blood that helps other blood components circulate through your body, supports your immune system, and promotes the control of excessive bleeding. Plasma is used to help some bleeding disorders, liver diseases, shock, in certain operations and in cancer and bone marrow therapy.

Platelets originate from megakaryocytes, a giant cell found in bone marrow, as the cell matures fragments fall off and are released into the blood stream; these are the platelets. Platelets are one of the components required for blood to clot, they fragile cell fragment that are a quarter of the size of a red blood cell and they have a shelf life of only five days. Platelets are donated using a process called plateletpheresis, it is similar to plasma donation where only the platelet is extracted and the rest of the blood goes back to the donor.

Stem Cells are cells that create blood and are sometimes referred as hematopoietic or progenitor cells, they are immature giving them the ability to become any of the cells in the blood stream; red blood cells, white blood cells, and other componets. Stem cells can be acquired in the blood flow,  or from  bone marrow, a jelly like substance that is in the center of your bones, where stem cells are produced.

All of these blood products can be donated if you haven't donated and are thinking about it sign up for their newsletter Ready Set Give. If you are unable to give blood for whatever reason you can give a monetary gift or simply become involved with the Canadian blood services.

To be eligible to donate for the first time you must be between the ages of 17-61, weigh at least 50 KG (110 lbs.), be in good health and it is recommended you had a good sleep are well fed and to avoid engaging in strenuous activity after the donation. Giving blood takes about 15 minutes with some time to recoup afterwards. There is a donor registration that includes a donor questionnaire; it is all to determine your eligibility.

After the donation is complete, you are brought to a food and beverage area to boost your blood sugar levels. How about some A. Lassonde Oasis juice

and Biscuits Leclerc raspberry and vanilla chewy bars ?

A friend of mine who has donated blood, told me that as you walk away, you have this overwhelming sense of happiness. You are so proud of what you just did because you know that every ounce of blood you gave, saves lives. She treats herself to some shopping after. If you do too, consider these short sleeve t-shirts from our new member OÖM Ethikwear.

They are a Montreal-based apparel manufacturer proud of its positive and committed messages.  

If you are still undecided about donating, not sure if you have the time or fell like you aren't brave enough maybe you should read  Thank You Donor. It is a website for donor recipients to thank donors for saving their children, parents, lovers, partners, best friends, sisters, brothers, fishing buddies and everyone or anyone who is important to someone. Remember (I should too), it is in us to give!

 

 Image sources: Canadian Blood Services, A. Lassonde, biscuits Leclerc, BuyCanadianFirst.ca

It's that time of year again! What time? Why it's R-r-r-r-roll up the r-r-r-r-rim to win time!

I couldn't think of a better time to get a caffeine fix in order to get spring cleaning done, well maybe not, but go get your ‘extra large double double' and an apple fritter and enjoy a little Canadiana. But before I begin...

For kicks, Buy Canadian First is hosting its own contest!!

We have 4 - $10 Tim Hortons gift cards to give away!  Leave us your email and comments  about why you buy Canadian and Friday morning (March 13th) we will pick 4 winners using a random numbers generator. Good Luck!

Now, for a bit of history and facts...

Tim Horton was born in Cochrane Ontario in 1930 and was signed to the Maple Leafs in 1949. He played 17 full seasons and 3 partial seasons with the Leafs, he also played briefly for the New York Rangers before he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. His final years in hockey were with the Buffalo Sabres. His whole 22-year career with the NHL was played as a steadfast defenseman on the blue line. Famous for his strength, Gordie Howe called Horton "hockey's strongest man" but despite his legendary strength, Horton was not a supporter for violence on the ice.

Horton knew that his hockey career wouldn't last forever so he sought out a way to supplement his hockey income. In 1964, Horton decided to try out the coffee and doughnut business and opened a location in Hamilton, Ontario. In 1967 he became partners with retired police offer and franchisee of the Tim Hortons store # 1, Ron Joyce. The rest, as they say, is history.

Horton never saw the chain's iconic success. While returning to Buffalo from a game at Maple Leaf Gardens, Horton was killed in a tragic car accident on February 21, 1974. At the time there were only 40 Tim Hortons locations. The Buffalo Sabres retired his jersey as a tribute to his memory.

Today, Tim Hortons has 2,942 stores in Canada and employs well over 10,000 Canadians comprised of many talented individuals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, styles and characteristics.

Tim Hortons offers a vast array of employment positions that include some or all of these ‘perks'; Flexible schedules, Convenient locations, competitive wages, comprehensive training, free uniforms, advancement opportunities, incentive programs and benefits.

The true wonders of this company are the community involvement and care of its staff. Every year Tim Hortons give out 20 $1,000 scholarships in Canada to their staff, their children and grandchildren, who also believe in giving back to their community through volunteer work.

It is great to know that the place where you work is concerned about your education and is willing to help out. I am very grateful to Tim Hortons for their support.
- 2005 Tim Hortons Scholarship Recipient

Certainly the goodwill and programs doesn't stop there, in fact this company with its rich Canadian roots does so much more. The Children's Foundation was founded in 1974 to the memory of Tim Horton who loved kids. The foundation sends kids to camp from economically disadvantaged homes. Local programs like free spring break skate and swim times, Tim Bits minor sports program, Earn a bike and more. Tim Hortons support local organizations and charities with donations or sponsorship as well as national sport sponsorships including curling, CFL, NHL, fishing and the Canadian Cycling Association. Sustainable coffee program supporting farmers in their communities and an environmental campaign with several different projects, Tim Hortons is a leader in community involvement.

The Toyota segway...

Now, going back to the Roll-up-the-rim-to-win contest...There are over 31,026,135 prizes to be won ranging from a beverage to to a brand new Toyota Venza. While the Venza is not Canadian made, Toyota does make the Corolla, Rav4 and Matrix right here in Canada! Here is their  current promotional campaign about it! All three models are top of their class for fuel efficiency combined with Toyota's quality and affordability.

Our own Melissa, Partner and Director of Marketing is a very proud owner of a 2009 AWD Toyota Matrix, which she bought because (one) she loved the new model and (two) because it was made in Canada (we don't just talk a good talk here at Buy Canadian First, we really do walk it too ;-)

 

Necessity is the mother of invention...

So we have our contest cup and we are using our teeth and hurting our fingers trying to roll up the rim to see if we won... But now, there is a better way. Buy Canadian First member, Paul Kind of Novel Solutions has invented a gadget known as the Rimroller that was featured in CBC's Dragon's Dene in October of 2008. The Rimroller is easy to use:  just push down and pull up. You can buy them at Lee Valley or any Zellers location for less than $3.

Iona, of Novel Solutions, wanted me to point out that the Rimroller allows you to see if you've won and if you did, you need to remove the whole message (French and English) otherwise you may be denied your prize! You have until May 24th, 2009 to claim your Roll-up prizes. Our contest ends this Friday, with the winners being announced Friday as well.

Image source: Tim Hortons, Toyota Canada, BuyCanadianFirst.ca

I've gotten into the habit of asking the people in my life if because they know what I do for a living (and that I can't shut up about it) has impacted the way they themselves shop. The resounding answer I got was “Yes, damn you!” Evidently, like for everyone who works at Buy Canadian First, it seems that all our friends and family can no longer pick-up a product while shopping and not look at the country-of-origin label. They care about what the label says.

When I'm at the grocery store, I try to only buy produce that is grown in Canada. Regardless of season. Obviously this is difficult right now, but I am still amazed at what produce does grow in Canada - even in February. And what lacks in fresh, I can find frozen, which to me, is just as good. In some cases I have not had any choice but to buy food from other countries, but I consciously try to limit my radius to the US. I'm that stubborn about it now. It's a lifestyle choice I've made and I can't say I'm bored or hungry at all. Since the start of winter I have consistently gone home from the supermarket satisfied with my bags full of fresh Canadian-grown produce and other products of Canada and felt that my choices have contributed to the growth of our food manufacturing businesses.

As far as consumer goods are concerned, I won't lie and tell you it's easy to only buy Canadian. Some products are really hard to find. It would help if retailers would train their staff to know which of their products or brands are made in Canada because most times they just shrug and say they don't know. This is especially true when you walk into large retailers. How do I go about it? I do research online first: I find the manufacturers and their websites and then check out the “store finder” pages. Then, if the products I'm looking for aren't sold in Montreal or the GMA, I'll consider buying them online. After a while though, you develop a feel for it. It becomes a habit. Even before I joined Buy Canadian First, I already knew of a couple dozen brands that were made here. Now obviously I know of hundreds more, but I have my favourites I stick to.

Of course there is what I buy when I shop and what my boyfriend buys. He tries really hard to buy Canadian most of the time but he's not as obsessed about it as me and that's perfectly OK. Last fall, he went out of his way to find a made-in-Canada snow-brush, scraper and shovel for me, as this was going to be my first winter driving my very first car (I am the proud owner of a Canadian-made 2009 Toyota Matrix). He was pleasantly surprised to discover that the type of brush and scraper he would purchase for himself was made by a Canadian manufacturer (Mallory Industries). So he was supporting Canadian-made without even realizing it, simply because he never paid attention to labels before...Not until he met me ;-)

I'm sure if you scour your home for everyday items you will be happy to see how many Canadian-made products you already endorse, without knowing it. That's how I first discovered that Le Chateau manufactures in Canada; that Tristan has a Canadian-made collection; that Roots still manufactures some apparel in Canada; my super comfy pillow was made by Montrealers at LBC ; that my favourite bath products by Canus and Lush were made in Canada and not to mention all the "Products of Canada" that were already in my pantry. 

Believe me, once you start seeking out to buy Canadian intentionally, you will not be able shop like you used to ever again...and I don't think that's a bad thing. Suddenly the country of origin becomes a big deal. You will proudly add “AND it's made in Canada” to your answer when people ask you “oh where did you get that?” But you will also get frustrated in your quest to find your canadian-made equivalent of a readily available foreign-made product and at times you will postpone your search or even give up. Some days you will also acquiesce to the foreign-made item. But the best thing you could do is walk into a store, find the manager and specifically ask the question “do you sell an xyz that is made in Canada?”

We the consumers have so much power. If we all started to put more pressure on our merchants to carry more canadian-made goods or suffer the loss of business, what do you think would happen? ESPECIALLY now, in these tough economic times. By buying Made in Canada, you are supporting manufacturers, helping them to stay in Canada or to simply stay in business. You are being socially and environmentally responsible but more importantly, what's on everyone's minds these days is that you are ensuring the livelihoods of hundred of thousands of Canadian workers. Statistics Canada has estimated that over 300,000 Canadians are at risk of losing their job this year. This past January, we already saw 129,000 jobs disappear. This drop in employment exceeds any monthly decline during the previous economic downturns of the 1980s and 1990s.

Out motto here at Buy Canadian First has always been that it's not about buying Canadian always...it's about considering Canadian-made first. We built this website to help consumers find those Canadian-made products and to make it easier for manufacturers to find their end-users. My wish is that one day I will receive hoards of emails and comments stating just one thing, and I will know what it means: "Damn you! ;-)"

Are you up for the challenge?

Image source: Flickr Creative Commons - christopher.woo, ralphbijker

Author: Melissa Thibodeau