The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge - Your Turn -- The Ups and Downs of Buying Canadian

Episode Date: February 27, 2025

There's no doubt that many Canadians are buying Canadian when they hit the grocery, hardware or clothing stories.  But where do you draw the line?

And hello there, Peter Mansbridge here. You're just moments away from the latest episode of The Bridge. What do you buy and what do you not buy when you're shopping these days? That's coming right up. It's Thursday right here on The Bridge and that means it's your turn. And once again this week we got lots of letters. A couple of explanations first of all. If it sounds a little different today it's because I'm on the road again. In fact on this day I'm in Ottawa heading up to Petawawa along the Ottawa River.

I'll be there in a few hours and I'll be there for a couple of days. So a good talk will be coming from on the road as well this week. So if it sounds a little different, it's because I'm using my little portable kit for doing stuff on the road in hotel rooms. It's not quite the same as when it's normal in Stratford or Toronto or in Scotland even. So I know I get letters on days like this from people saying, hey, your audio's bad.

Have you thought about getting a new microphone? I'm doing the best I can with what I've got, and I hope you'll bear with me. Okay, let's get out, because as I said, lots of letters from across the country. The first one coming in today from David Turnbull in Waterdown, Ontario. Listener Hamilton. When I see someone buying American in the grocery store, I really want to yell and make a fuss about Canadian patriotism. This almost happened this past

weekend when the woman in front of me was buying American grown strawberries. What stopped me was two things. One, I don't know her situation and don't know what she can afford or not afford. I did have more expensive Canadian grown strawberries in my cart. And two, I had American grown spinach in my cart, as there were no other options at the store. Ian Godsman in Calgary. When the news first dropped about the tariffs, I was strongly in favour of not buying anything that had anything to do with the US, just like everyone. However, it quickly became obvious that it was not possible to go all Canadian. Our economies and trade relations are so tightly integrated that it'll take decades to untangle, if it even can be. So I'm resigned to doing my best.

Sometimes that means dealing with U.S. goods and businesses. I want to support Canadian workers. That means I have to shop at Costco or Walmart or whatever. It's a compromise, and I can sleep soundly making that compromise. After all, there are millions of U.S. citizens who are firmly on our side. Sharif Abdel-Elazim in Guelph, Ontario. We do not purchase anything from the U.S. Even my young child recognizes it if it is from the United States. We do not purchase anything from the U.S. Even my young child recognizes it if it is from the United States. We do not purchase it. I do not intentionally inform others in the supermarket, but I share it with everyone I know, hoping it could encourage them.

Gary Gould in Brantford Wherever possible, I look for Made in Canada products. I've had some social media suggestions as to where to find Canadian-made clothing, for example, but these are few and far between. Our free trade agreements have made it easy to farm out manufacturing of clothing to countries such as Egypt, Cambodia, Jordan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and China, among others. We seem to gladly purchase these items. I absolutely refrain from suggesting a fellow shopper look for Canadian-made. Not my business. I find it frustrating that it has taken foreign pressures to do the right thing by manufacturing

and purchasing locally made products. With a quick Google search, I found 20 Canadian manufacturers, so it just takes a little time and effort. Carol Tuyo in North Canada, Vancouver. I do think the grocery store is where my values really show themselves, like health, wealth, and environment. I've gladly added buy Canadian to the list of values I consider while shopping. But it does get complicated. I like to buy flavored oat coffee creamer for a weekend treat. A Google search revealed my usual brand is very much a U.S. company, so that's a no. The Canadian alternative, however, comes in a plastic bottle, So that's a no for environmental reasons. There is a shelf stable option in cardboard, but it's pretty dear at three and a half times the price.

So that's a no for budgetary reasons. Alas, in the end, I decided that I would simply not bother with my little treat. It's a small protest for sure, but little by little, a little becomes a lot. That's really interesting the way that Carol broke that down. Susie Gooch in Kitchener, Ontario. The issue of shopping Canadian is something I am prioritizing at the moment. I just got back from a late night grocery run. I have a toddler, so shopping can be hard. I'm staying up a bit later to give myself more time to check labels. I don't shy away from talking about this in social circles. There are a lot of people that are just not tuned in. Their brain shuts out anything political right now, so it doesn't even occur to them to consider where products come from.

A simple non-judgmental conversation can make a difference. There's no reason to shame them, but rather than just a gentle reminder about why this matters right now, it can go a long way. Gordon Shepard in Collingwood, Ontario We are living in dangerous times. It takes a monumental level of willful ignorance to not know the grave threat the orange felon and his sycophants pose to Canada and to all Western democracies. The very least we can do is to cancel our U.S. vacations and take a few minutes to avoid buying anything produced or grown in the divided states. Upon retirement, for years we spent our winters in the divided states. Upon retirement, for years, we spent our winters

in the southern U.S. We haven't entered the country since Trump's first election in 2016. I found it ridiculously easy to go into a grocery store and be able to avoid buying any products that are produced in the U.S. So I hold in disdain any Canadian that is now indifferent to their purchases of U.S. products. I hold in similar disdain many Canadians that continue to travel to the U.S. for the purposes of recreation. Trump signed the existing trade agreement between our two countries. In typical Trump fashion, he ignores a contractual agreement. He can never be trusted to live up to his word. Ever. In less than 30 days, the orange felon has destroyed a sacred trust of trade, peace, and friendship

that has existed between our nations for a century. It's unlikely to ever be restored. It's hilarious the other day, right? When he said only a fool would have signed this. He signed it. So at least he got that right. Michael Ardendale in Sudbury. What people are buying is none of my business.

Maybe they're a pensioner on a fixed income. Or maybe they're working 40 hours a week on minimum wage and can barely afford rent, let alone groceries, or they may have a large family to feed. I'm fortunate that our household can afford the higher price for Canadian products, but others may not be as fortunate, and in this time of struggle, compassion goes a long way. Laura Plant in Chilliwack, BC. When I was in university back in the 90s, Captain Paul Watson visited our University of Victoria campus to talk to us about his advocacy work trying to save the whales. He inspired us with his presentation and he told us everyone should do as much as they need to so they can look themselves in the mirror each morning. I just happen to have to do more than the average person. That has always stuck with me. Do what you need to do to

feel you are participating fully in society and living true to your values. I won't judge others on what they buy in the grocery store, but they might hear me saying loudly, nope, as I look at American products and put them back on the shelf. Don Dufour in Ottawa. I was on my monthly Costco run today and picked up a tasty pasta kit our family enjoys. Once in my cart, I checked the packaging only to see that it's from America. I grabbed it like a hot potato and put it back on the shelf. A fellow was musing about the product, and as I re-shelved it, I said, it's from America,

so it can't go in my cart. He looked at me and grinned. For me, this is a very personal choice, similar to wearing masks, as we learned to do during the pandemic. I know what my convictions are, but certainly can't impose them on others. Harold Gold in Calgary. When shipping, I now, more than ever, look to see where the product came from. Canada first, then non-USA, then if no other reasonable option, I buy American. These are part of my personal values. I don't push my values on others, but will act as a role model for others who choose to look up to me and my values. These values extend in other ways as well. Hence, I no longer buy from

Amazon if there are other options readily available for what they did in Quebec. Amazon, remember, says it will close seven warehouses in Quebec and lay off 4,700 workers. People can choose to think of me how they will, but I am Canadian. Duane Rettinger in Oakville, Ontario. I've gone all in in pursuit of Canadian-produced products. Do I believe it will inflict sufficient pain on the aggressors in this economic war? Not at all. But I do believe that rallying Canadians around common causes will help build the resiliency that will be required for the inevitable hardships that we will endure in the coming years. Less comfort, more growth is the mantra I'm encouraging my adult children to embrace, and I suspect it readily applies to the nation as a whole.

Michael Pash in Victoria, B.C. The whole shop Canadian movement is for me a bit of a Johnny-come-lately thing. I've made a point for a very long time to, wherever practical, direct my purchasing dollar to local, regional, provincial, and then national sources. As a small business owner, shop local first has been extremely important for a long time. The subject is very much under discussion in my social circle. We are all paying attention to sources. I haven't commented on other people's habits in grocery stores, though. That would be rude. Everyone needs to make their decisions based on what they can afford, given their particular circumstances. I have commented

to staff in my favorite locally-owned grocery store that I appreciate the labeling. The comment in return was that a lot more people are really paying attention now. Marilyn Wallace, Fannie Bay, British Columbia. I hope that the bi-Canadian movement has an appreciable effect on American companies, because I absolutely believe in it. But in our zealousness for the cause, we must not forget that there are many Canadians whose limited household budgets don't allow for this luxury. This is especially true in a time of tariffs and inflation. Arguments during the COVID crisis, when we needed to be masked in public, threatened to polarize us. We cannot let that happen again. So those of us who are able to buy or make buying decisions that support this campaign should do so, without judgement of those who cannot. Every bit helps.

Karen Chasles in Guelph, Ontario. I'm very serious about shopping Canadian products as much as I can. As well, I try to buy from small local workers. I strongly feel that if enough Canadians are doing this, we are making a statement that may help a little. At least I feel like I'm doing my part. As far as trying to influence others, I don't watch what other people do. If I did, I would not be able to help commenting on their choices if I didn't like what they were doing. Lisanne Donnelly in Sutton, Quebec.

I try to support Made in Canada, but my local IGA has shelves of USA products and I don't want the local owner to get stuck with inventory. He keeps the town well-fed, happy, and employed. Many resettled Ukrainians found jobs there. California walnuts are a daily staple and my IGA has bags of them. I'm tempted to stock up and pay at the self-checkout when nobody can see me. The walnuts are not going back to the USA. Hopefully IGA gets the message not to restock

USA products and I learn to live without walnuts. Those are my reasons and I respect other people for their reasons. We can't be too judgy. That's a real theme in these letters, right? Don't tell others, let them make their own decisions. Madison DeWettering in Brinsley, Ontario, about 40 minutes north of London. As much as I try to buy groceries that are Canadian, as a young family and being on maternity leave sometimes, the budget just doesn't allow for it. I know that sometimes there has to be short-term pain for long-term gain,

but it's not always feasible due to the rising costs of pretty much everything. Those who can afford to buy strictly Canadian made should do so, but I would never voice my opinion on where someone should spend their own money. Susan Ong in Ottawa. Personally, our household has been extremely careful about buying only Canadian products, or if no Canadian version exists, a version that is not American. The point I wish to make, though, is that we're lucky enough to have the privilege to make that switch. About privilege, in the current climate where food insecurity in Canada has nearly doubled,

and here in Ottawa, one in four households faced food insecurity in 2024, this is not the time for us to be judging or raising an eyebrow. If someone reaches for the cauliflower that's on sale for $1.49 a pound and it's product of the USA, I'm certainly not saying anything. People have to do what they're going to have to do, to eat, and I think we'd better off as a society if on this front we all mind our business a bit more. Teresa McNeil in Surrey, B.C. While I'm encouraged to see the surge in patriotism, I think we need to learn a lesson from the pandemic and not be too rigid in our judgment of the choices of others.

Once we start removing choices, freedom from people, there is a potential for division amongst us, which is the last thing we need. We may also be shooting ourselves in the foot by boycotting American retailers. Remember, many Canadians are employed by them. Buy Canadian when you can. Do not travel to the U.S. unless necessary. Expect to suffer some for your country. Norm jack in stouffville ontario i'm a hundred percent in agreement with buying canadian-made products and food however i also believe that this should be a personal choice that we as canadians all make my husband and i are now in

the u.s visiting our daughter and family and have honestly only met people who apologize for their government and people who are very gracious about our country and its people. Randy Nesset in Victoria. I've decided to buy Canadian if at all possible, so reading labels has become important. This has led to meeting lots of other like-minded people as we recognize each other at the shops and then we're sharing information. It seems Trump has led to pulling Canadians closer. Marge Andre in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Actually, she's now in Honduras. I'm often one who will speak out about conscious consumerism.

I really feel we should be paying more attention to where the things we purchase come from and how they get to us and at what consequence. I shudder at the fast fashion industry. I so wish we'd eat local and seasonally and eat real food, not ultra-processed. So this Buy Canadian Products campaign, with its accompanying debate about the difference between Made in Canada and product of Canada, I very much welcome.

It is a step in the right direction to being conscious consumers. This is not just an anti-American stance. It is something we need to do to address the climate crisis. Here's the note from us. Fast fashion makes less expensive versions of designer clothes. It uses vast amounts of non-renewable sources, emits a lot of greenhouse gases, and uses massive amounts of water and energy. Deb Johnston in Edmonton. I wouldn't speak up to someone I don't know, as I don't know their circumstances, and here is why.

I've discovered that some Canadian businesses have already increased prices since January of 2025, and we don't have the tariffs yet. It's possible some people can't afford the higher-priced items. Are we being taken advantage of because businesses know we want to buy Canadian? Who's auditing that? The dog treats that are made in Canada that I have bought for years suddenly went up $5 in one month. After a year or more, at a lower price. Martin Partridge in Peterborough, Ontario. Our family buys a lot of gluten-free and

other diet-related products. A large percentage comes from the U.S. and are expensive in Canadian dollars. Some are already disappearing from health food and grocery store shelves, probably because demand is dropping for American-made products. The point is that we see an opportunity for Canadian producers to copy such products and sell them at reasonable prices. The market opportunities are growing by the day. Todd Burns in Montreal. I've made a concerted effort to buy Canadian, but find it is not always an option for products I want to buy. The other day I went to buy ketchup.

Dutifully, I searched for French's. Sadly, it was all sold out. For the Four Nations Hockey Final, I bought Canadian beer and rye as opposed to American beer and bourbon. Gordon Chowers in White Rock, B.C. I vote with my wallet and buy Canadian every day. I've said bye-bye to Bix pickles, adios to Campbell's soup, hello to French's ketchup, because their president's a goof. I also consider where I buy and hope our giant retailers

support Canadian consumers by stocking less from the U.S. Whenever conversation with family and friends turns to the orange clown and his antics, we encourage each other to support Canadian products and Canada first. John Minchell in Comox Valley, B.C. In regards to the labeling of products by their country of origin, I'm mixed. I'm not angry with the U.S. people, just the current administration. While I agree with the sentiment of buying local, and as a proud Canadian believe we should stand up for our country,

punishing the average people for the current administration's policies needs tempering too. I think that we should buy Canadian where we can, but to totally shut out the U.S. is wrong too. As for how I act towards those who buy American, I think we need a measured response. Hopefully at the end of this, we will be friends again, and we don't want to burn too many bridges. Doug Wild in Edmonton. I'm unabashedly a one-issue buyer. Price. We are a family of four with two teenagers in an affordable crisis like we're currently in. I can't concern myself with where a product is made.

Today I bought a watermelon that was $2 off, despite having a label with an American flag on it. It was a good deal, and my kids enjoy watermelon. Clearly that's an unpopular opinion with some Canadians, and perhaps many of your listeners. But I would never, ever pass judgment on another individual choosing to make the purchase of an American product. I don't know their circumstances. Perhaps they need to be even more price conscious than me. And frankly, it's none of my business. How about we just be kind to each other in these challenging times? Bill Lessard in Mississauga, Ontario. I'm not so concerned when it comes to groceries. Local produce is preferred, but it's out of season locally,

and I'm not so worried about the source. If it's out of season locally, I'm not so worried about the source. Cars and hardware products, I am very loyal to North America. I prefer Canadian-built over U.S. over U.S. I will not buy a car whose manufacturer is not heavily invested in Canada full stop, and I don't hesitate to push my opinion onto others. For hardware tools and products, call me crazy, but I will always consider paying extra for North American

made. Growing up in a blue-collar family, it's my DNA to support our local manufacturers and how hard they work to produce a quality product. Frank Wang of Surrey, BC. I do what I can to spread the word, but won't negatively judge someone for not joining the boycott. The cost of living remains high, and a lot of people will need to pick up the occasional U.S. product to not break the bank. I also need to accept that sometimes it is good enough to buy an item that it's not produced in the US. Anyone who is a purist in this buy Canadian movement is just not being realistic. Okay, you know what? Let's take a break. We're about halfway through the letters we're going to make, that we're going to be able to make time for today.

And there's so many of them. And there's some nice themes to these, you know, there really are. But let's take a break. We'll take our mid-show break, and then we'll come back and hear what the Random Rancher has to say this week. So we'll be right back after this. And welcome back. You're listening to the Thursday episode of The Bridge. Thursday means your turn, and we've certainly been hearing your letters

about the decision-making process that you go through when you're shopping in Canada, in light of all the differences between us and the U.S. these days. Okay, we'll be back to your letters in a second, but it's time for you-know-who. It is time for the Random Ranter. It has an interesting take this week, so let's hear it. Here we go. There's so much rant-worthy material this week, I can't even focus. So, hot takes it is. First up, the liberal debates.

They were carnies to lose, and he didn't. Did he lack the flair of a Polish politician? Absolutely. He was hyperbole-free, and honestly, that worked for me. I don't want endless promises or rhyming catch from a liberal quirk. It's when politicians insist on touting business solutions for government problems. Businesses and governments do not function the same way at all. Governments have to be there for everyone, not just a specific demographic. They can operate without as many fail-safes or redundancies. They can take more risks and cut more corners. With business, there's less at stake. Governments don't have that option. Also, I've never known a business to be a democracy. At best, businesses function like a republic. At their worst, they're a fiefdom. I mean, Trump is a business leader.

What kind of business do you think he ran? Americans really should have thought that one out, because it's one thing when a business goes bankrupt. It's a whole other thing when a government does. Speaking of Americans, I read that Elon Musk has received upwards of a million responses from U.S. government employees justifying their jobs to hair CyberDoge. The exact number of Doge employees is unknown, but I've read there are only 60, and 21 of them just resigned at a protest. So who's evaluating all those emails? I'm guessing, based on those numbers, it's got to be some version of Musk's artificial intelligence program, GROK.

How else would you explain all the senseless firings going on? Like safety inspectors, or air traffic controllers, or the scientists that monitor the nuclear arsenal. But GROK is just the tip of the iceberg. The US is flailing right now. But I gotta say, they're providing us with a tip of the iceberg. The U.S. is flailing right now. But I gotta say, they're providing us with a lot of valuable lessons, like the importance of supply management when it comes to food. They would love nothing more than to tear into our supply management of dairy, eggs, and poultry,

but there's a reason Americans are paying $13 USD for a dozen eggs. And as a Canadian consumer, I want no part of it. It's more important now than ever that we control and protect our own food supply and the farmers who produce it. Our food supply is nimble, safe, and highly regulated. The same can't be said south of the border, where government regulations are under attack food inspectors are getting grokked and disease detection safeguards are being dismantled the u.s is willfully blinding themselves on so many fronts because it's not just disease detection they're gutting it's national security they're purging the ranks of the c and the FBI, or worse, turning them into some kind of loyalty oath driven MAGA force. Given that, it should come as no surprise that they're talking about

wanting us out of the Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance. But you know, sharing goes both ways. With Krasny, I mean Trump as president, and Gabbard as the head of intelligence, can we really trust them with our secrets? Will they really share theirs? I think we need to come to grips that many of the international institutions we relied on to keep the peace are no longer. I mean, when you have a UN resolution condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the United States votes against it with Russia, Iran, and North Korea, then as far as I'm concerned, all bets are off. Finally, I'll leave you with this. I think coming up with ideas for what to do in the face of Trump's tariff threats has become a new Canadian

pastime. So here's a cheeky one for me. I think we should announce a national trade emergency and move to establish a critical resource stockpile on everything the Americans are trying to shake Ukraine down for. Graphite, uranium, titanium, lithium, and of course, all the rare earth minerals. Add to that some of our vital main exports to the US, like potash, nickel, cobalt, and copper. And then we should sit back and do nothing. No stockpile, nothing.

Just an announcement to elicit a reaction. Let's call it pulling a Trump on Trump. And if anyone deserves it, it's him, the Orange King of hot air. There he is, the man with the way with words, the random ranter with this week's rant. Let's get back to your letters for this week's Your Turn. Lawrence Rainey in Muskoka, Ontario.

Since Trump said he would use economic force to annex Canada, we need to use our buying power as an economic force to fight back and preserve our country. It's pretty simple, really. And tariffs being invoked for national security? My RCAF navigator uncle died flying extra-volunteer missions to help the Americans at Christmas 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge. This infuriates me and so many Canadians. Spencer Stinson in Blenheim, Ontario. With so many things these days, I think this is a nuanced topic. I, for one, do my best to support local businesses, above all, that sell quality products.

Even if some of those may be from out of the country. I'm still supporting a small business owner in my immediate community. Betsy Daub in St. Agatha, Ontario. I do our food shopping mainly at the local farmer's market and two local independent stores that specialize in local products. The vast majority of the food we consume is from local producers. I buy lots of food during the spring, summer, and fall for our immediate consumption, but also I freeze fruits, soups, casseroles, meats, and chicken,

which is what we eat as much as possible in the winter. I shop at these places because I value locally produced products, as do the other shoppers who are there. So there's no need to say anything to other shoppers, as we are all of the same mind on this. I know that we are lucky to live in an area that has lots of agricultural activity, and that is not the case for everyone. But if it is for you, that is a great way to support the local Canadian economy.

Emmy Penny in Pasadena, Newfoundland. That's western Newfoundland, not far from Cornerbrook. I was out there this year. It's so gorgeous. Or last year now, last summer. Even though it takes more time and effort, our family is definitely sourcing products made in Canada or made anywhere but the U.S. It's important to let retailers know we are doing this because if they see that we are taking this seriously, they are more likely to source Canadian wherever possible. The silver lining in all this is we are

collectively doing our best to support local businesses whenever we can, something we should have been doing anyway. Danella Anderson in Edmonton. My Canadian, excuse me, by Canadian, is definitely my new mantra. Unless there's a sale, it's usually more expensive, but I'm willing and able to take the hit. I talk about my approach to family and friends with the hope that my approach may influence theirs if they're not already on board. The last thing I want to do is inflict feelings of guilt and suggest a lack of patriotism on behalf of those who struggle financially. If prices are the same or very close, then by all means, buy Canadian. If you are struggling to make ends meet, then please do what is best for you and your family. If and when the

tariffs are applied, buying Canadian may become the cheapest option anyway. Sarah Allinger in New Westminster, BC. I've been doing my best to shop Canadian, whether that means buying Canadian products, patronizing Canadian stores, or ideally doing both at once. And when I can't find a Canadian version of something, I'll look for a non-American option, and even consider whether I need the item at all before putting it on my cart. That said, I try not to judge people who don't take these same measures, since I don't know their reasons. It could be the cost. I know many people whose budgets are already stretched to the limit. A neurodivergent child who will only eat specific foods, or a host of other factors.

Supporting Canada, to me, includes supporting my fellow Canadians by showing them some grace. Paul Freeman in Unionville, Ontario. We need to buy non-American, full stop. Preferably Canadian to support our businesses, but European products, for example, are fine, and just not the U.S. I was in a restaurant the other day ordering wine while I really enjoy California wine. I asked the waitress to recommend something not from the U.S.

She struggled. My conclusion, restaurants need to adapt because there weren't many non-U.S. alternatives I was able to choose from. Some great Canadian wines, you know. They really are. From B.C., the Niagara region, some from Quebec.

Julie Hamara in Toronto. I'm more for buying anything but American than I am for buying strictly made in Canada. We can't produce everything, and nor should we. Part of the reason we are so dependent on the U.S. is because we haven't taken full advantage of the free trade agreements that we have with other countries, specifically within the EU.

Since CETA has come into effect in 2017, I have noticed that EU products are more available and affordable and at the same price point. I would offer a European food, especially, excuse me, I would offer a European good, especially food, over a Canadian product. Christine Ramos in Toronto. I've done my best to buy only Canadian products, even if I have to go without, such as orange juice. I've found Canadian alternatives for my usual snack food brands. Dairy has always been Canadian. Stores have been great at providing produce from Guatemala, Spain, even Portugal, and luckily I have it in storage items that are difficult to find Canadian alternatives for, such as cleaning products. So when I look around and see others shopping without a care for the item's

origin, it initially upsets me. However, I stop and consider that my grocery bill has increased because of these choices. Canadian snack foods, in particular, are pricey. Not everyone has the luxury of being able to make these choices, just like buying organic and locally grown. As in all things, it's about money, money, money. David Elgene, Dorchester, Ontario. It's near London. Like most Canadians, my wife and I are very upset with Trump's idiotic threats, insults, and the disrespect he has for our country. We are doing everything we can to eliminate all spending on U.S. products and support products made in Canada and any country other than the U.S. by doing these things. Checking every label, regardless of what the grocery store sticker says. Yes, I have to

remember my reading glasses. Refusing all American goods, even when substitutes are not readily available. Boycotting Canadian subsidiaries of U.S. companies, even if their products are made in Canada. Why not buy fully Canadian? Boycotting purchasing any products using my Amazon Prime, which I use two to three times a week up until recently. My wife is happy about that. I must admit we still watch Netflix and Prime. I haven't managed to quit those yet. While we don't challenge strangers in the grocery store, we sure talked the boycott up our neighbors, friends, and relatives. And we've decided to make this Buy Canada approach permanent as we are very pleased with the products and feel good supporting Canadian producers. Should have started this a long time ago.

Ross Hales in Comox Valley, B.C. Currently in the Barbados. Good for you, Ross. The Canadian consumer revolt against American products is easy to participate in because the reason for participation is compelling. Unlike other consumer boycotts on issues such as overpackaging, GMO, and pricing, this revolt is targeted towards Trump, a person most Canadians dislike and indeed find him revolting. Regrettably, some Americans will be hurt, but our actions are not against the

American people, although they have only themselves to blame for him. This is our revenge. Revenge is a powerful motivator and we are trying to bring on every ounce of pain we can muster against Trump, limited as it may be by the individual, but powerful and effective by the collective. Jamal Tekelveld in Toronto. In our household, we've been checking labels while purchasing local and Canadian products for years. We're using this recent surge in Canadian purchasing pride to be mindful of goods from other non-American countries and locales. Case in point, we recently tried some blueberries from Morocco. They were delicious, certified approved from our two-year-old son. We'd recommend people to check labeling and expand their horizons

for staples from new places. You can be pleasantly surprised. Danielle Crawford in Lethbridge, Alberta. I'm not upset when I see people buying American products, and like during COVID, we do not need to reach herd immunity to make our voices, by way of our dollars, heard. Every Canadian who vacations in Canada rather than the States, and every dollar kept here, is a win, because it creates trends that reduces our reliance on an unreliable ally. I have been buying Canadian products for the entirety of my adult life, because I believe my dollars are votes.

I even kept a Blackberry until this year when my app stopped updating. God, it wasn't that long ago that it was it, right? Blackberry, couldn't get better than that. Xavier Smith in Nanaimo, BC, a longtime proponent of the 100-mile diet. I would typically choose produce from Washington State over, say, Alberta. As it turns out, my patriotism supersedes my environmentalism.

I'll source my potatoes from Alberta or even PEI over U.S. products. I sympathize with Ontario manufacturers, but my budget can handle purchasing Canadian products, even if they're farther away. I hope theirs can as well. Faranik Fanamolki in Bolton, Ontario. As soon as the 51st State and Tariff Talk started, I began checking the origin of what I purchased to avoid buying American goods. If I couldn't afford to, or there was no Canadian alternative, I wouldn't buy the product. I work on the phone with Americans all day,

and after January 20th, I had Americans telling me how sorry they were and apologizing on behalf of 75% of Americans that do not think like the administration. That got me thinking. Was I really doing the right thing? I hope this four-year administration doesn't ruin more than 100 years of friendship between two great nations. Why do you think it's only going to be four years? Why do you think there'll be another election? You know, you've got to take this guy at his word and listen to what he says.

Jesse Fillion in Penticton, B.C. My wife and I purchased our first house recently and are currently renovating it. We have found ourselves scrutinizing all of our purchases and trying our hardest to support Canadian products, but are limited on many items. Therefore, we try to buy from Canadian-owned and operated companies when unable to buy Canadian-made products. And here's our last letter for this week. I guess it's a reflection of the most commonly heard themes, so it serves as a good summary.

It's from Denise Clark in Ottawa. Like so many Canadians, my anxiety and distress over Trump's desire to take what does not belong to him, our amazing country, can bring me to tears. So if someone asks, either a stranger in the grocery store or a family member asking why I haven't bought a favorite treat in a while, I tell them it's because buying Canadian is the only control I have in what's happening. As for pushing this opinion on others who don't ask, I do not. That would be too American.

Once again, you know, I say this every week about how amazed I get at the letters you write and the things you say. This one, just the same. Although, you know, there was clearly a lot of sameness to many of the letters. But that's talking about the mood in the country. At least those who are writing on this subject, there's a real theme in there. And it's as much about personal action as it is about community

spirit and understanding community. So again, I thank you all. Tomorrow, I'll be in Petawawa. You ask, why are you going to Petawawa? Well, if you missed earlier in the week, I'm the honorary colonel of Cansof soft calm which is basically the Canadian forces special

operations you know there are a number of different groups within can soft calm and then the one you hear of quite often is JTF2, who are the special force, the commandos that go into the most difficult situations. Usually with Canadian lives at stake, I'm trying to prevent the loss of them. So every few months I spend some time with members, very special people, the men and women of Cansofcom, and one of their bases is at Petawawa.

So I'm going up there, leaving, well, in a bit here today, and I'll be up there for the rest of the day and Friday as well. So coming from Petawawa, that'll be a first. Good Talk will be hosted from there. So for those of you who are concerned about the audio quality, there may be a little bit of it too. Because that'll be another hotel,

another place, another acoustics. And my portable little travel unit. But I can't wait to hear what Chantal and Rob Russo have to say. I worked with Chantal today and Andrew Coyne. We did a panel in Ottawa at a gathering of one of the associations that was having its annual meeting. And we had a great discussion for 90 minutes on things topical. And as is the case these days, most of those things in some fashion relate to Donald Trump and his impact on Canada.

Anyway, that's tomorrow. Be with us for Good Talk, which is available, obviously, here on SiriusXM, but also on our podcast, and also on our YouTube channel. It's an extremely popular YouTube channel offering. Anyway, we'll talk tomorrow. So have a good rest of today, and we'll see you in about 24 hours.