Part of the secret of success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside.
- Mark Twain
"Buy Canadian": Freeland suggests "boycott" of US goods amid Trump tariffs
Fight With Your Wallet: The Canadian Revolution Starts Now
A revolution is brewing in the north, and it doesn’t involve muskets or battle cries—it’s fought in supermarket aisles and online shopping carts.
Canadians are increasingly flexing their economic muscle, steering clear of American-made goods in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s past threats of a 25-percent tariff on Canadian imports.
The message is clear: Canadians are not passive spectators in global politics. The hashtag #BuyCanadian isn’t just a trend; it’s a movement.
And every boycott, no matter how small, contributes to a larger wave of financial resistance.
The Power of Consumer Boycotts: Do They Work?
Skeptics argue that boycotts don’t accomplish much. Historically, the impact of consumer-driven boycotts has been mixed.
A 2016 study on politically motivated boycotts in China, the U.S., and Turkey found that while boycotts could cause dips in exports and stock market fluctuations, the long-term financial impact was limited.
But does that mean they are meaningless?
Absolutely not. Boycotts, beyond their economic impact, serve as powerful statements of defiance.
They make people think about where their money is going and force corporations to pay attention.
Dodging American Products: Not So Easy, But Possible
Canada is deeply intertwined with the U.S. economy, especially when it comes to food.
About 50% of Canada’s fruit, nut, and vegetable imports come from the United States. A staggering 90% of the leafy greens consumed by Canadians originate from U.S. soil.
And let’s be real—when it’s the dead of winter and you’re craving fresh produce, your choices are slim. Greenhouses offer some local alternatives, but at a premium price.
However, if you really want to hit America where it hurts, start in the aisles filled with processed goods.
Packaged American brands dominate our shelves—pastas, sauces, canned goods. These are areas where clear, Canadian alternatives exist.
If you want to boycott but don’t know where to start, ditch the American pasta and sauces first.
Adaptation-Guide: Living The Boycott Since 2018
We put our money where our mouths are. Since 2018, we at Adaptation-Guide have been actively boycotting American and Mexican food.
It started as a reaction to every food scandal that made its way to our tables. On Canada’s East Coast, with only two supermarket chains—Sobey’s and Loblaw/Atlantic Superstore—we spent hours meticulously selecting only Canadian-made products.
Was it easy? Hell no. Was it cheap? Not a chance. In 2018, our grocery bill (for two adults) came to around 700 Canadian dollars for 50-70 staple items.
By 2024, thanks to inflation, taxation, and the absence of competition, that number had ballooned to 1100 Canadian dollars.
Was It Worth It? 100%
If you can afford it, and if your goal is to live healthier while supporting Canadian businesses, then do it.
The Conservatives have fought every environmental regulation tooth and nail, making food more toxic than ever.
Mexico’s severe water crisis raises concerns about the sustainability of their exports.
The choice is clear: support local, eat cleaner, and strengthen Canada’s economic resilience.
Every Little Boycott Counts
This isn’t about whether a single Canadian skipping Kraft Dinner will bring America’s economy to its knees.
It’s about collective action. It’s about making corporations sweat when they realize that consumers have the power to turn the tide.
Canadians are not voiceless, motionless witnesses to world events. We have the ability to react, and we must.
So next time you’re at the store, think twice before reaching for that American-made product.
Your wallet is your weapon. Use it wisely.
#BuyCanadian #ByeAmerica #FightWithYourWallet
Sincerely,
Adaptation-Guide
WE ARE READY! ARE YOU?
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