By Scott Roblin

‘Buy Canadian’ initiative gaining steam as trade dispute continues

Jul 9, 2018 | 5:20 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – A movement to ‘buy Canadian’ is picking up popularity online amidst the ongoing trade dispute between Canada and the United States.

Consumers are now being encouraged on social media to support Canadian producers, even if it’s a more expensive option.

Local businesses are also weighing their options including Hell’s Basement Brewery, who are trying to keep up with the summer demand from thirsty customers.

But in light of recent tariffs from south of the border, co-owner Paul Parks said they’re re-evaluating where they get their supplies.

Young minds, big ideas: Elementary students learn about urban planning with 'Box City'

46m ago

HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

Summer pool hours extended and discounts applied as Big Marble Go Centre upgrades start

Apr 18, 2024

Medicine Hat company drawing in clients with witty signage

Apr 16, 2024

“Our cans there’s been an increase, but also some of our fruit,” said Parks. “So, it’s going actually help us migrate to go to B.C. and stay [with] Canadian fruits, and avoid that.”

According to Parks however, they’re not the only ones trying to buy Canadian products more often.

“With it being in the news and with there being a bit of debate around the tariffs and the trade wars, people are starting to be thoughtful, ‘Well, maybe I’ll look for what Canadian products I can grab instead of just getting what I’m used to,” said Parks.

In May, the United States slapped tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, sparking a trade dispute between the two countries with retaliatory tariffs.

Local wedding designer Weddingstar Inc. supplies to retailers in both Canada and the United States and have had to adjust with the recent tariffs from the Trump government.

CEO Rick Brink said they’re making a push to compete with American-based companies who aren’t subject to the same tariffs.

“We’ve done a lot of things this year with our website, we’ve gone from a dot com to a dot ca, our prices in Canada have gotten very aggressive,” said Brink.

But, Brink added a Canadian label doesn’t mean much to customers if it costs significantly more than it’s American counterpart.

“Even though people may say [they] want to buy local or buy Canadian, the price point has to be there because it’s money that you’re pulling out of their pocket,” he said.

Those CHAT News spoke to were split on whether shelling out a few extra dollars for a Canadian product is worth it.

Park estimates Hell’s Basement buys 90 percent of their ingredients in Alberta, even at a higher cost sometimes.

He said it’s not always an easy decision, but one he believes is best to support entrepreneurs in the local economy.

“Sometimes you can get cheaper products that are coming from China or other places too, but if you can support local it’s a better idea and mindset,” he said.

It’s estimated Canada accounts for around 18 percent of all American exports in a calendar year.