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Over the past year, tariff tensions between the U.S. and Canada have been fueling more and more Canadians to boycott, or at least reduce U.S. goods and travel, and prioritize Canadian products at the checkout.
Despite the passion waning for some, the momentum to keep supporting Canadian is still going strong for Ontario hockey dad, Chris Agro.
The Tillsonburg, Ont., man is on a 135-day streak of sharing the stories behind Canadian companies and goods one-by-one on social media, to get more people thinking twice about what they put in their shopping cart.
“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.
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 companies big and small Agro is highlighting on Instagram and Facebook, including in groups such as Made in Canada – Canadian Products, where he’s a regular contributor.
It all started with bagged milk
It all started with a post of a bag of milk which sparked lots of reaction from across Canada, including provinces where it’s uncommon to see. It led Agro down a path wondering what other things he could celebrate as culturally 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 push to buy Canadian products continues despite a pause in U.S. tariffs, questions swirl around the difference between “Made in Canada” and “Product of Canada.” CBC’s Dale Manucdoc breaks down what shoppers need to know.
Now, grocery shopping takes double the time that it used to as Agro searches the aisles looking for new products to feature, he said. Nowadays, he also gets recommendations from small companies who reach out to him.
Agro thrives on sharing the stories behind the businesses, like how Ottawa-based Spyce Girlz, started by a 13-year-old entrepreneur is now in grocery chains like Farm Boy and Longo’s — or how Oasis juice was founded more than a century ago in Quebec — or how the idea for Twigz Pretzels was launched at a family dinner in Alberta.
Seeing more people continue to support local and Canadian businesses means a lot to the team at Cowbell Brewing Co., in Blyth, Ont.Â
“I think that is a great movement,” said Hannah Aerts, the company’s marketing manager. Â
“We’ve been really excited to see more people coming to the brewery as they’re supporting more local businesses,” she said, noting the beer is also available at LCBO, The Beer Store, grocery stores and now some Costcos, including nearby in London, Ont. “Cowbell has always been really proud to support local and Canada.”
What about maple-washing?
Despite controversy around U.S. products faking Canadian to appease customers north of the border, Agro doesn’t overthink it. He focuses on Canadian companies and Canadian 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.”
The project has given him a new love for Canada, he said, and a deeper pride for all the country has. Growing up, Agro used to dream about travelling to California or Florida, but now he’s shifted focus to places in Canada, such as Vancouver or Halifax, he said.
On Day 115, Chris Agro highlighted Cowbell Brewery based in Blythe, Ont. Agro says their beer is a quiet nod to Canadian grit, to farmers working long days, small towns holding things together, and hockey players battling on the boards. (Submitted by Chris Agro)
“I think we take it for granted sometimes, all of the beautiful things, all the beautiful places, and I think over the past year and a half or so, we’ve been more connected to Canada and the people.”
While he said the project does have a shelf life, he’s expanding it to feature a diversity of cultural things Canadians can be proud of.