Canada Strong
By Brian Belcourt, North Simcoe Springwater News Reporter, March 10, 2025
While Canadian consumers have been supporting the Buy Canadian initiative, it is not always easy to identify if the product was produced in Canada, what Canadian resources were used in producing the product and is the company selling the product from a Canadian Company.
However, the lack of clarity in our labelling standard has left other businesses and consumers confused, resulting in hampered efforts to buy local. In response, innovative apps like Shop Canadian, Check the Label, and others have emerged to help bridge the knowledge gap. These tools allow consumers to easily identify Canadian products and directly support Canadian businesses. The apps and websites that help consumers determine the Canadian content of a product, can also help consumers on a budget to find alternatives.
Apps and websites that are helpful resources to consumers:
Shop Canada is an app named, “Buy Beaver”. It was created by two software developers from Edmonton. It uses a bar code scanner to determine the amount of Canadian content in a product.
O SCANada is a app created by Calgary mother-son app designing team. It uses a bar code scanner to determine if the product is Canadian or not. If it’s not, the app can provide a list of alternative products that are Canadian.
CHECK THE LABEL is another app that uses bar bode to scan the label of a product to determine its origin.
Canadiancoolfoods.com is a website with resources about Canadian food products
Supporting local farmers is crucial for many reasons. It boosts the local economy, provides environmental benefits, and enhances our health in general. Additionally, it builds stronger community connections. Choosing to buy from local farmers ensures that your money stays within the community, helps job creation and supports families. Environmentally, it encourages sustainable farming practices and reduces pollution. Health-wise, locally grown food is fresher and packed with more nutrients.
Building closer connections with farmers brings people together. It fosters a sense of community and trust. Knowing where your food comes from empowers you to make better choices for your family and the planet.
The North Simcoe area is very fortunate to have many farmer markets and stores that offer local grown products. Google Maps produced this list of local farm producers:
Barrie Hill Farms
Nicholyn Farms
Harris Farms
Birchs Farm
Valley Farm Market
Fosters Family Farm
Farm to Door
Browns Farms
Johnson’s Farmers Market
Southern Georgian Bay Farmers Market
Elmvale Farmers Market
Wasaga Beach Farmers Market
The agriculture and agri-food sector is an economic powerhouse, supplying approximately 2.3 million jobs and contributing $143.8 billion (7.4%) to Canada’s GDP, and its continued competitiveness and stainability are vital to a prosperous future for generations to come.
Why is it important to grow food locally in Canada?
Economic impact: Opting for local stores supports the economy and acknowledges the efforts of Canadian farmers and producers. Small-scale farmers usually earn less than large conglomerates. By eating locally, you directly support your community, helping to reinvest money within the regional economy.
Let’s be Canada true north strong with our choices. Stand on guard with your wallets!