In the last year, trade tensions between the U. S. and Canada have led many Canadians to either boycott or cut back on U. S. products, instead choosing to support Canadian goods at checkout.
Even as enthusiasm fades for some, Ontario hockey dad Chris Agro is still going strong in his mission to promote Canadian pride.
This man from Tillsonburg, Ont., has been on a 135-day journey sharing stories about Canadian companies and products one at a time on social media, encouraging others to think carefully about what they add to their carts.
“A lot of Canadians are looking for that kind of pride in our country and in the products themselves, to where we’re looking toward supporting other Canadian businesses and local businesses,” he said.
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Chris Agro says this project has given him a new love and deeper pride for Canada. (Submitted by Chris Agro)
From Dempster’s bread to Oasis juice, David’s Tea and Jamieson Vitamins, there’s no shortage of brands big and small that Agro is shining a light on through Instagram and Facebook, especially in groups like Made in Canada – Canadian Products, where he frequently contributes.
What does ‘buying Canadian’ really mean?
As the movement for buying Canadian products continues despite a break in U. S. tariffs, questions arise around the distinction between “Made in Canada” and “Product of Canada.” CBC’s Dale Manucdoc explains what shoppers should know.
Now grocery shopping takes twice as long as it used to since Agro spends time hunting down new products to highlight. He also gets tips from small businesses who reach out to him nowadays.
Agro enjoys sharing stories behind these brands-like how Spyce Girlz from Ottawa was started by a young entrepreneur at just 13 years old but is now found in grocery stores like Farm Boy and Longo’s-or how Oasis juice began over a century ago in Quebec-or how Twigz Pretzels got its start during a family dinner in Alberta.
The team at Cowbell Brewing Co., based in Blyth, Ont., appreciates seeing more people support local businesses.
“I think that is a great movement,” said Hannah Aerts, the company’s marketing manager.
“We’ve been really excited to see more people coming to the brewery as they’re supporting more local businesses,” she mentioned, noting their beer can also be found at LCBOs, The Beer Store, grocery stores, and even some Costcos nearby including those in London, Ont. “Cowbell has always been really proud to support local and Canada.”
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On Day 115, Chris Agro highlighted Cowbell Brewery based in Blyth , Ont. Agro says their beer is a quiet nodto Canadian grit, tothefarmersworkinglongdays, smtowns holding things together, and hockey players battlingontheboards.(Submittedby Chris Agro)
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It all started with bagged milk
A simple post featuring bagged milk sparked lots of reactions across Canada, even from places where it’s not commonly seen. This made Agro curious about what else he could celebrate that’s uniquely Canadian. “I’m hoping that the hours and hours of research that I do gives them a little bit more information, especially when you’re out shopping and you’re trying to make a decision,” Agro said.
What does ‘buying Canadian’ really mean?
As the movement for buying Canadian products continues despite a break in U. S. tariffs, questions arise around the distinction between “Made in Canada” and “Product of Canada.” CBC’s Dale Manucdoc explains what shoppers should know.
Now grocery shopping takes twice as long as it used to since Agro spends time hunting down new products to highlight. He also gets tips from small businesses who reach out to him nowadays.
Agro enjoys sharing stories behind these brands-like how Spyce Girlz from Ottawa was started by a young entrepreneur at just 13 years old but is now found in grocery stores like Farm Boy and Longo’s-or how Oasis juice began over a century ago in Quebec-or how Twigz Pretzels got its start during a family dinner in Alberta.
The team at Cowbell Brewing Co., based in Blyth, Ont., appreciates seeing more people support local businesses.
“I think that is a great movement,” said Hannah Aerts, the company’s marketing manager.
“We’ve been really excited to see more people coming to the brewery as they’re supporting more local businesses,” she mentioned, noting their beer can also be found at LCBOs, The Beer Store, grocery stores, and even some Costcos nearby including those in London, Ont. “Cowbell has always been really proud to support local and Canada.”
What about maple-washing?
Eagerly aware of concerns regarding U. S. products pretending to be Canadian just for sales purposes, Agro doesn’t stress too much over it. His focus remains on supporting genuine Canadian companies and jobs. “If in the end we’re still like supporting Canadian workers and Canadian families that’s good enough for me,” Agro said. “My list; my rules.” This project has sparked within him newfound admiration for Canada along with greater pride for everything it represents. As a kid growing up dreaming about visiting places like California or Florida now he’s turned his sights toward destinations within Canada such as Vancouver or Halifax instead.“I think we take it for granted sometimes-allofthebeautifulthings-allthe beautifulplaces-and I think overthepastyearandahalforsomethatwe’vebeenmoreconnectedto Canadaandthepeople.”
While he acknowledges this project may have an end date eventually he’s broadening its scope by featuring various cultural elements Canadians can feel proud about.Source link
