Shop Local Archives

A Stand for Solidarity Amidst Economic Challenges

In today’s interconnected global economy, our consumer choices carry profound weight. With U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threats of hefty tariffs, Canadians face a renewed call to shop local, prioritizing homegrown businesses and products. Choosing to shop local not only bolsters our national economy but also showcases our resilience and unity against external pressures.

Why We Should Always Shop Local

Supporting local businesses is the cornerstone of a strong, self-sustaining economy. When we shop local—whether at retailers, artisans, or producers—our dollars stay within our communities, driving job creation and economic growth. Local businesses often rely on nearby suppliers and services, creating a ripple effect that uplifts entire regions.

Beyond economics, shopping local preserves our neighbourhoods’ distinct character and culture. These businesses offer personalized products and services tailored to local tastes, enriching our lives and fostering community pride. According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), every dollar spent at a small business keeps 66 cents in the local economy, compared to just 11 cents when spent at multinational chains.

The Impact of Threatened Tariffs

In early 2025, President Trump proposed a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, citing border security and drug trafficking concerns. Though a 30-day pause was secured, the uncertainty has rattled markets and strained the long-standing U.S.-Canada relationship. For Canadian industries like automotive manufacturing, agriculture, and technology, these tariffs threaten disruptions, job losses, and economic instability. A Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) report (January 2025) found that Canadian small business confidence declined by five points on the Monthly Business Barometer since November.

Potential tariffs could raise the cost of imported goods, making it even more critical to shop locally. By doing so, we protect jobs, sustain communities, and reduce dependence on foreign markets, thereby strengthening Canada’s domestic supply chains.

The Need to Remove Provincial Trade Barriers

While the push to shop local is vital, interprovincial trade barriers hinder Canadian businesses from thriving. Restrictions on transporting goods, inconsistent regulations, and varying tax structures limit companies’ ability to expand beyond their home provinces. Eliminating these barriers would create a more unified economy, empowering local businesses to grow and compete nationally. This would encourage Canadians to shop local, not just in their own communities but across provincial lines, with ease.

Take health care for example; Canada’s doctors can’t practise in any other province due to interprovincial barriers. The Canadian Medical Association has advocated for a “pan-Canadian approach” to address the health workforce crisis—a principle that could inspire broader economic integration.

Ways to Support Local Businesses

Shopping local goes beyond visiting a storefront. Many businesses now offer e-commerce platforms, letting you shop local from home with options like direct delivery or curbside pickup—keeping revenue in the community. When booking accommodations or ordering takeout, bypass third-party apps and buy directly from the business to maximize local impact. While large corporations may weather economic storms, small businesses need our deliberate support to survive.

A Commitment to Canada’s Future

“Shop local” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a pledge to strengthen our communities. By choosing to shop local, we fuel economic growth and safeguard Canada’s unique identity. Pairing this with efforts to dismantle provincial trade barriers will ensure businesses thrive nationwide and secure a prosperous future for all.

Brad Harrison, Colwest Alpine Adventures
Professional Member, Canadian Avalanche Association
Executive Director, Backcountry Lodges of BC Association

“Shop Local” Is No Longer Just a Slogan; It Represents Solidarity

As we approach the one-year mark of the global pandemic, it’s not a secret that the impact has been felt greatly across Canada – especially within the retail industry. Nowhere is that more apparent than the higher levels of economic damage encountered by small businesses affected by the crisis. According to Statistics Canada, nearly 60% of small businesses have experienced a decline in revenue of 20% or greater.

There are a number of ways to support your local businesses. Many have pivoted to offer e-commerce options so that you can shop from the comfort of your own home, having your purchases shipped directly to you – or some cases, even delivered right to your door from shop owners and staff. Curbside pick-up has also become a popular offering, with stores encouraging customers to place orders by phone or online, then pick up their goods with speed and ease – without needing to even step foot inside the store.

Another note of consideration when shopping local, especially in terms of accommodation and take-out food, is to purchase directly from the business, rather than buying through a third-party website or application – which always take a cut of the sale. When you purchase direct from the source, all of the funds are staying within your own community, which is integral for the sustainability of your local economy.

You’ll notice in our recent BLBCA-BMFF Raffle, we supported as many local manufacturers as we could – including Arc’teryx and G3 Genuine Gear Guide – while also supporting a local retailer – True Outdoors – by purchasing these prizes directly from the owner.

We know the big giants are likely to be around long after things have settled, but the chances of your local cafe, sporting goods, or hardware store being open are, unfortunately, much smaller. If you want to see your favourite local businesses continue to not only survive, but thrive, be intentional with your shopping. The phrase “shop local” is no longer just a catchy marketing slogan in the consumer marketplace; it now represents solidarity with those in our community who we wish to support with action – and our dollars.