Over the past few months, I’ve noticed something changing.

More Canadians are checking where products are made before buying them.

Some are cancelling trips to the United States.

Others are choosing Canadian brands whenever they can.

For a lot of people, it’s about sending a message.

And honestly, I doing it myself.

But it got me wondering.

Is it actually working?

The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no.

There’s no question the boycott has had an impact.

According to ⁠Statistics Canada, fewer Canadians are travelling to the United States than they were a year ago. That’s been tough for hotels, restaurants, and retailers in many American border communities that depend on Canadian visitors.

Here at home, many businesses have also benefited.

“Buy Canadian” campaigns have taken off, and it’s become much easier to find Canadian made products on store shelves. Many retailers have started highlighting local products because that’s what customers are asking for.

So there are definitely signs that Canadians are changing their spending habits.

But the story gets more complicated.

Canada and the United States don’t just trade with each other.

Our economies are deeply connected.

About 75 percent of Canada’s merchandise exports still go to the United States, making it by far our biggest trading partner. You can see Canada’s trade data through ⁠Statistics Canada.

That means when trade tensions drag on, Canadian businesses often feel the effects very quickly.

Some business groups have warned that ongoing uncertainty is causing companies to delay investments. Others say some manufacturers are even considering moving more production to the United States if it provides greater stability.

That’s not because they want to leave Canada.

It’s because businesses like certainty.

When companies aren’t sure what tariffs or trade rules will look like six months from now, many choose to wait before expanding or investing.

Here’s what stood out to me.

I think it’s possible for both sides to be right.

Buying Canadian absolutely helps Canadian businesses.

If you’re choosing a local company over an imported product, that money stays in our communities.

That’s a good thing.

At the same time, we also have to recognize that Canada’s economy depends far more on access to the American market than the American economy depends on us.

Economists have pointed out that trade disputes almost always hurt both countries.

The difference is that Canada usually feels the pain faster because our economy is much smaller and much more dependent on exports.

That doesn’t mean Canadians shouldn’t buy Canadian.

It just means we shouldn’t expect consumer boycotts alone to solve a much bigger trade dispute.

Governments negotiate trade agreements.

Consumers can influence markets.

Those are two very different things.

So where do I land?

I think supporting Canadian businesses whenever you can is a positive thing.

But I also think we need to be honest about the bigger picture.

If trade uncertainty continues for years, businesses stop investing, factories move elsewhere, and exports weaken, Canada could end up paying a much bigger economic price than most people expected.

That’s something worth watching long after the headlines move on.

Until next time,

Dean

P.S. Have you changed your shopping habits over the past few months? Are you actively trying to buy Canadian, or do price and convenience usually win? Hit reply and let me know. I’d love to hear your experience.