Shop Local, Support Canada: A Senior’s Guide to Buying Canadian

Let’s face it. Walking into a store and finding Canadian-made products is not always easy. It seems like everything these days is imported and sometimes it feels like we do not have much of a choice. But with all the recent trade drama, including tariffs, threats, and tensions, there has never been a better time to take control of where our money goes.

Whether it is groceries, clothing, or household goods, buying local is not just about national pride. It is about keeping our economy strong, supporting Canadian jobs, and ensuring we are not overly reliant on imports. Plus, there is something satisfying about knowing our hard-earned dollars are staying right here in Canada.

So how can you spot Canadian-made items? Where are the best places to shop? And how do you make sure you are getting the best value while keeping your dollars in Canada? Let’s dive in.

Why Buying Canadian Matters

Buying Canadian is not just about pride. It helps keep jobs in the country, strengthens the economy, and ensures we are getting high-quality products made under strict standards. It also reduces reliance on imports and cuts down on pollution from long-distance shipping.

The best part? There are plenty of great Canadian-made products out there. You just need to know where to look.

So how do you spot them, and what are the best brands to buy? Let’s get into it.

How to Spot Canadian-Made Products

Finding Canadian-made products is easier than you might think. Here are some simple tricks to help you shop local:

• Check the First Three Digits of the Barcode
  Barcodes that start with 060 to 069 are usually Canadian. While this is not a perfect rule, it is a quick way to get an idea.
• Shop at Stores That Prioritize Canadian Brands
  Some retailers make an effort to support local products. Stores like Canadian Tire, The Bay, and London Drugs often carry a strong selection of Canadian-made goods. Grocery chains like Sobeys and Metro also highlight local products.
• Visit Farmers’ Markets and Local Shops
  For fresh produce, meats, dairy, and baked goods, farmers’ markets are the best way to support local growers and small businesses. Many independent stores also focus on Canadian-made clothing, home goods, and specialty foods.
• Do a Quick Online Search
  If you are unsure, a quick search can help. Websites like Made in Canada Directory and BuyCanadianFirst.ca list companies that manufacture products locally.
• And of course… check the label
  Most Canadian-made products will proudly say so on the packaging. Just make sure it actually says “Made in Canada” and not just “Packaged in Canada.”

Now that you know how to spot Canadian-made items, let’s talk about some of the best brands to support.

Best Canadian Brands to Support

Now that you know how to find Canadian-made products, here are some great brands to look for the next time you shop. These companies are proudly Canadian and offer high-quality products across different categories.

Groceries & Household Essentials

Burnbrae Farms – A trusted Canadian brand for farm-fresh eggs.
Maple Leaf Foods – A household name for meats and deli products.
Saputo – One of Canada’s biggest dairy brands, offering cheese, milk, and other dairy products.
Kicking Horse Coffee – Organic, fair-trade coffee roasted in the Canadian Rockies.
Bridgehead Coffee – A proudly Canadian, Ottawa-based coffee company with ethically sourced beans.
Pilot Coffee Roasters – A Toronto-based specialty coffee brand with a focus on sustainability.
Old Dutch – A classic for chips and snack foods, made right here in Canada.
Cavendish Farms – Famous for their frozen fries and potato products, all grown in Canada.
St. Hubert – A go-to for delicious rotisserie chicken, sauces, and frozen meals.
Nature’s Path – Organic cereals and granola bars made with Canadian ingredients.

Wait, what about Tim Hortons? While many Canadians still love their Tims, the company is now owned by a Brazilian investment firm. If you are looking for a truly Canadian coffee brand, try Kicking Horse, Bridgehead, or Pilot Coffee instead.

Clothing & Footwear

Roots – Iconic Canadian apparel known for cozy sweats and high-quality leather goods.
Canada Goose – Premium winter jackets built for Canadian winters.
Kodiak Boots – Durable, Canadian-made boots perfect for all seasons.
Tilley Hats – Stylish, high-quality hats designed for travel and outdoor wear.
Stanfield’s – A heritage brand for warm, durable undergarments and basics.
MEC (Mountain Equipment Company) – Outdoor gear and clothing for every season.
Herschel Supply Co. – Popular for backpacks and travel accessories, based in Vancouver.

Health & Wellness

Jamieson Vitamins – A leading Canadian brand for vitamins and supplements.
Green Beaver – Natural, Canadian-made skincare and personal care products.
Attitude – A great choice for eco-friendly soaps, shampoos, and cleaning products.
Rocky Mountain Soap Co. – Handmade, all-natural bath and body products.
Druide – Organic and biodegradable skincare, made in Canada.
Pure Maple Water – A unique Canadian take on hydration, made from maple sap.

Home & Everyday Products

Paderno – High-quality cookware designed and made in Canada.
Danby – A trusted name for small kitchen appliances like fridges and microwaves.
Kruger Products – Makers of household staples like Scotties tissues and Cashmere toilet paper.
Endy – A Canadian mattress company known for comfort and quality.
Leon’s & The Brick – Canadian-owned furniture retailers with locally made options.
Blueland – Canadian-made eco-friendly cleaning products.

Tech & Gadgets

Blackberry – Once famous for phones, now specializing in cybersecurity and software.
Nanoleaf – Innovative smart lighting and home decor tech, based in Toronto.
Sinclair Audio – High-quality speakers and home audio systems, made in Canada.

Cars & Transportation

Bombardier – Known for trains, planes, and recreational vehicles like Ski-Doo and Sea-Doo.
BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products) – Makers of Can-Am motorcycles, ATVs, and more.
Prevost – A top-tier manufacturer of luxury motorcoaches and buses, based in Quebec.

Pet Products

Orijen & Acana – High-quality pet food made in Alberta.
Open Farm – Ethically sourced, Canadian-made dog and cat food.
Northern Biscuit – All-natural Canadian dog treats.

Supporting these brands is a simple way to keep your money in Canada while enjoying high-quality products.

Up next, let’s look at where to buy these products and how to save money while shopping Canadian.

Medical Alert Systems (Canadian-Owned Options)

Senior Protection – A 100% Canadian-owned medical alert provider offering 24/7 emergency monitoring with no long-term contracts. Perfect for seniors who want reliable, local service. (Learn More)

Life Assure – A Canada-based medical alert company with various wearable and home-based options.

TELUS LivingWell Companion – A medical alert system offered by Canadian telecom giant TELUS, with fall detection and GPS tracking.

Why choose a Canadian medical alert system? Many well-known medical alert brands are actually U.S.-based, meaning customer service and monitoring centers are often outside of Canada. Choosing a local provider ensures you get Canadian-based support and a system designed with our healthcare system in mind.

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If you need additional support, don’t hesitate to contact Senior Protection at +1(866)416-0838  for tips and services designed to keep seniors safe year-round.

1 866 416 0838

• 24/7 Alert Monitoring
• Built In Fall Detection 
• GPS Locator Technology
• Two-way Voice Communication