The Reality Behind the “Buy Canadian” Movement

The Reality Behind the “Buy Canadian” Movement: Who’s Really Benefiting? When the Buy Canadian push started making waves, I’ll admit—I got my hopes up. Like many small business owners across the country, I thought, finally. Finally, this is our moment. Our products, our stories, our blood-sweat-and-tears businesses would be brought to light and celebrated. I imagined more people discovering hidden gems in their own backyards. I pictured shelves in homes and gift bags stuffed with lovingly crafted goods made by someone just down the road, not a massive warehouse overseas. But the reality? It’s been a tough pill to swallow. What actually happened was that big Canadian brands—ones that already have entire marketing teams, million-dollar ad budgets, and polished packaging—stepped into the spotlight with ease. They were ready. They had the funds to buy prominent ad space, sponsor national campaigns, and slide right into that freshly opened window labeled “Support Local.” The irony is, many of these companies are only technically Canadian. Headquarters here, sure. But the rest? Outsourced, automated, and corporate to the core. Meanwhile, here we are. Small business owners. Makers. Creators. Service providers. Standing behind tables at markets. Packing orders at midnight after working full days. Hitting “post” on our DIY reels and hoping the algorithm gives us a shred of visibility. We aren’t just selling products—we’re sharing pieces of ourselves. And it’s exhausting to pour everything into your passion, only to watch the momentum you hoped for get redirected to already-thriving giants. The hard truth? When you buy from a small Canadian business, it hits differently. Your dollars don’t get absorbed into some faceless conglomerate. They ripple. They stay local. They pay for new cleats for the kid who made the rep soccer team. They help replace the tire that blew out on the way to your lash appointment. They keep the lights on in a home-based studio so a mom can keep doing what she loves. They buy snacks for the school fundraiser. They sponsor local events, donate to silent auctions, and show up for their community without being asked. Small businesses are the community. When we say your support means the world, we’re not being cute—we’re being literal. Every order, every booking, every review is a reminder that someone sees us. That someone chose us, even with shinier options on the table. I’m not saying don’t buy from Canadian brands. Of course, it’s better than buying from halfway across the world. But dig a little deeper. Look past the polished billboards. Ask yourself: Who actually needs my support? Because we’re here. We’re still showing up, still creating, still believing in the power of real connection. And when you choose us, it’s not just a transaction. It’s a relationship. It’s a difference-maker. It’s community. And community, my friends, is how we all make it through. With gratitude always,