Feeling patriotic and interested in supporting more homegrown businesses? Buying Canadian goods is easier than you might think! All it takes is a little label reading and a few smart swaps.

Supporting local businesses and products has become more than just a trend. It can be a meaningful and impactful way to strengthen the economy, support Canadian jobs, and even reduce your environmental footprint. And when you “buy Canadian,” you’re doing just that. Whatever you are shopping for, there are some small but effective ways to make Canadian-made choices a part of your routine.

1. Check the Label

One of the easiest ways to support Canadian products is to just check the label! But it’s also important to understand what those labels actually mean. Here’s a quick breakdown of the terms you might come across:

• Made in Canada from imported ingredients: This means the product was processed or manufactured in Canada, but the ingredients were sourced from outside the country.
• Made in Canada from domestic and imported ingredients: The contents come from both Canada and elsewhere, and there’s no minimum required percentage of Canadian ingredients.
• Product of Canada: This is the gold standard if you’re looking to buy Canadian. It means that virtually all of the ingredients, processing, and labour involved are Canadian.

2. Shop at Local Farmers’ Markets

Farmers’ markets are one of the easiest and most direct ways to buy local. Not only are you buying Canadian, but you’re often buying directly from the producers themselves. These markets give you a chance to meet the makers and support small-scale agriculture and artisans. In the summertime especially, it’s easy to do a good bulk of your shopping at farmer’s markets. But many markets also operate year-round, especially in urban areas, so it’s worth checking if there’s a winter market or indoor setup in your community.

3. Stick to Seasonal and Canadian-Grown Produce

Even in regular grocery stores, you can easily shop more Canadian simply by sticking to what’s seasonal. While it’s tempting to grab strawberries in January, opting for what’s in season in Canada helps reduce reliance on imported produce. Greenhouse-grown Canadians options, while pricier, may be available as well if you’ve really got a hankering for something out of season. Some grocery stores even have a “buy local” section or stickers on produce to help guide your choices.

4. Support Canadian Brands Online

Shopping online doesn’t mean you have to go international. Plenty of Canadian brands have strong online stores, and some even highlight their Canadian-made status front and centre. Whether it’s clothing, skincare, furniture, or pet products, a quick search with terms like “Canadian-made” or “Canadian-owned” can lead you to some great online finds.

5. Ask!

If you’re unsure where a product is made, don’t hesitate to ask. Whether you’re in-store or online, businesses should be able to tell you the origin of their products, making it easier for you to make informed decisions.

The best thing about buying Canadian is that you don’t have to overhaul your entire shopping routine to make a difference. Just start with a few small switches and, before you know it, you’ll be a Canadian shopping pro.