Saturday

15-02-2025 Vol 19

Building Resilience: What individual Canadians can do during the economic war imposed by the US

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey has been one of the most articulate proponents of calling Canadians to unify, drop political posturing, and come together in this unique time that Canadian sovereignty is under threat. In this CBC article, Furey calls U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods a “historic existential threat” to Canada, framing it as an attack on Canadian sovereignty and values. Furey urged a united national response, emphasizing the need for economic diversification, federal relief measures, and a firm stance against what he described as Trump’s “bullying” tactics, while industry leaders like Danny Dumaresque of Labrador Gem Seafoods are already exploring new markets in Europe to mitigate the tariffs’ impact..

Here’s a top 15 list of actionable steps Canadians can take to reduce reliance on U.S.-dominated systems, support local and Canadian-owned businesses, and promote economic resilience—while being mindful of the potential impact on Canadian workers and businesses. These steps aim to strike a balance between reducing dependence on U.S. entities and supporting Canadian interests:


1. Avoid Buying U.S. Products in Stores

  • Prioritise Canadian-made products when shopping. Look for labels like “Product of Canada” or “Made in Canada”.
  • Example: Choose Canada Goose jackets over U.S. brands like Patagonia, or opt for Stanfield’s clothing instead of Hanes.

2. Avoid Ordering from U.S. Websites

  • Shop from Canadian e-commerce platforms like Well.caAltitude Sports, or Indigo instead of U.S. giants like Amazon or Walmart.com.
  • Use Canadian marketplaces like Shopify (a Canadian company) to support local businesses.

3. Use Canadian or Non-U.S. Social Media Platforms

Replace U.S.-based social media platforms with Canadian or privacy-focused alternatives:


4. Avoid Clicking on Links in Facebook Ads

  • Instead of clicking on ads or links in Facebook, note the product or website and research it using a privacy-focused search engine like DuckDuckGo or Startpage.
  • This reduces tracking and prevents data from being funneled to U.S.-based companies.

5. Boycott Elon Musk-Owned Companies

  • Avoid purchasing Tesla vehicles and opt for Canadian or non-U.S. alternatives like Lion Electric (a Quebec-based electric vehicle manufacturer).
  • Stop using X (formerly Twitter) and switch to Canadian or open-source platforms like Mastodon or SocialBC.ca.
  • Avoid using Starlink internet services and support Canadian ISPs instead.

6. Support Unions and Worker Rights

  • Shop at unionized Canadian businesses and avoid companies like Amazon, which has a history of anti-union practices. Example: After one Amazon warehouse in Quebec unionized, Amazon closed all its Quebec facilities. Support unionized Canadian retailers like Loblaws or Metro instead.

7. Buy Local and Canadian-Owned

Support Canadian-owned businesses and brands:

  • Groceries: Shop at SobeysMetro, or local co-ops instead of Walmart or Costco.
  • Clothing: Buy from RootsArc’teryx, or Encircled instead of U.S. brands like Gap or Nike.
  • Electronics: Purchase from Canada Computers or Staples Canada instead of Best Buy.

8. Use Canadian Financial Institutions

  • Bank with Canadian institutions like TDRBC, or Desjardins instead of U.S.-based banks like Citibank or Capital One.
  • Better yet, bank with a Canadian Credit Union.
  • Invest in Canadian companies through platforms like Wealthsimple (a Canadian fintech company).

9. Avoid U.S.-Based Streaming Services

  • Cancel subscriptions to NetflixDisney+, and Hulu, and switch to Canadian alternatives like CBC GemCrave, or Tou.TV.
  • Support Canadian content creators by watching shows on APTN or TVO.

10. Shop at Canadian-Owned Restaurants

  • Dine at Canadian-owned restaurants instead of U.S. chains like McDonald’sStarbucks, or Subway.
  • Many U.S. restaurants in Canada employ Canadians and use local products, so consider supporting those that prioritise Canadian suppliers.

11. Use Canadian Travel and Tourism Services

  • Plan vacations within Canada or book through Canadian travel agencies like Air Canada Vacations or Transat AT.
  • Avoid booking through U.S.-based platforms like Expedia or Airbnb and use Canadian alternatives like RedTag.ca or your local travel agent.

12. Support Canadian Media and News Outlets

  • Subscribe to Canadian news sources like The Tyee, The Globe and Mail, CBC, or The Toronto Star instead of U.S. outlets like CNN or The New York Times.
  • Listen to Canadian podcasts and radio shows instead of U.S.-based ones.

13. Use Canadian Tech and Software

Replace U.S. software with Canadian or open-source alternatives:


14. Advocate for Canadian Policies and Sovereignty

Support political initiatives that promote Canadian economic independence, such as:

  • Strengthening supply chain resilience within Canada.
  • Investing in Canadian manufacturing and technology sectors.
  • Promoting fair trade agreements that benefit Canadian workers and businesses.

15. Educate and Encourage Others


Key Considerations

  • Impact on Canadian Workers: Avoid boycotting U.S.-owned businesses in Canada that employ Canadians or use local products (e.g., U.S. restaurant chains in Canada). Instead, focus on reducing reliance on U.S. corporations that extract wealth from Canada without reinvesting in local communities.
  • Balanced Approach: Prioritise supporting Canadian-owned businesses while being mindful of the inter-connectedness of the North American economy.

By taking these steps, Canadians can strengthen their local economy, reduce dependence on U.S. systems, and promote national resilience—all while supporting Canadian workers and businesses.

Britt

She/Her. Canadian.

One thought on “Building Resilience: What individual Canadians can do during the economic war imposed by the US

  1. Lots of good ideas here, but don’t just switch to Canadian banks. They are heavily invested in fossil fuels and refuse to stop. Use Credit Unions instead.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *