Made in Canada?

I am Canadian and would prefer to buy Canadian whenever possible, but I am having a difficult experience finding products that are actually ‘Made in Canada’.

I am not a manufacturer, nor a retailer nor a promoter (well, perhaps I am becoming one). I just wonder if there is a way to make, not only Canadian products more identifiable, but all products more identifiable, which would hopefully lead to safer more reliable merchandise and foods.

In doing so, give Canadian manufacturing a boost and also make a positive effect on the lives of the people who make the products world wide.

There is a growing concern with the quality and safety of products made in China, and other countries. This coupled with the moral and ethical concerns many people have with doing business with what many deem as repressive regimes or unethical labour practices of manufacturers. With more and more consumer products being manufactured and/or produced in countries outside of Canada coupled with the booming growth of internet sales, it would be of tremendous service and importance to Canadian consumers for sales outlets, both online and brick and mortar, to be required to state where products are manufactured or produced so that customers can make informed decisions before they purchase.

Another problem with buying Canadian is that it is extremely difficult to find the products of Canadian manufacturers. Google the words ‘Made in Canada’ and it comes up everything but. There are lots of Canadian based importers of foreign made goods masquerading behind the Canadian flag though. Many are registered in Canada as manufacturers but, their factories are in foreign countries or they out-source the manufacturing to offshore companies.

I do not know the answers. I do not understand in ins and outs of international trade and investments. I can only do some research and observe and from that, form opinions. If by chance I create a discussion that would lead to improvement, if I cause some thought as to how and where people shop and in turn make some influence on both local and (should I be so bold) global markets, then I thank you for taking the time to visit this website.

Richard Tilley