Conducted earlier this month online by the Halifax-based firm Narrative Research, the survey corroborates other polls that a majority of Canadians (in this case, 63 percent) are actively seeking out Canadian goods, but it also notes that they need some guidance.
In particular, the survey found that many Canadians aren’t aware of the difference between two commonly used and admittedly similar-sounding terms: “Product of Canada” vs. “Made in Canada.” Unaided, 37 percent of respondents said they’d prefer “Made in Canada” products vs. 23 percent who’d choose a “Product of Canada.” Forty percent, meanwhile, said they had no preference.
However, Narrative Research notes that there’s actually quite a big difference between the two labels. According to Canada’s Competition Bureau, a non-food “Product of Canada” refers to 98 percent of the total direct cost of production being Canadian, compared to only 51 percent for “Made in Canada.”
Every effort matters. 50% is still better than zero.
Clearly its just buying extra maple syrup.
Oh speaking of which, this winter being more of an actual winter probably means the maple syrup stores will be replenished.
The “Made in Canada” labels typically say “from domestic and imported ingredients”, though they rarely specify the country of origin for the imported parts. That’s a bit annoying, but I’ll buy it anyway. At the end of the day, I guess my motivation to support fellow Canadians outweighs that to boycott and wish ill on Americans. I’m just too tired of vindictive people to be one myself.
Food products are often made from local, or semi-local ingredients, but sold by American companies. McDonald’s, for example, uses Canadian ingredients. There are also many companies that built their brand in Canada and have since been bought out by American firms.
I have been making an effort to buy from Canadian companies first, though I’m sure I’ve made some mistakes.
Hell, I want to buy Canadian, and I’m American (sorry)
