Vass Bednar, the executive director of McMaster University's Master of Public Policy and Digital Society program, dives into the burgeoning trend of Canadians choosing local products over American ones. He discusses the complexities of this 'Buy Canadian' movement as a patriotic act and examines the challenges of promoting local culture in a U.S.-dominated media landscape. With humor, he shares insights on consumer habits, the importance of supporting local businesses, and the quirky choices that often define Canadian shopping.
The rising Canadian patriotism is driving consumers to prioritize local products and question the true meaning of national identity.
Engaging with Canadian content over American media highlights a shift towards supporting local creators and nurturing Canadian culture.
Deep dives
The Rise of Canadian Patriotism
There is a notable surge in Canadian patriotism, especially as discussions around buying local products gain traction among consumers. This movement reflects a growing desire to support Canadian-made goods amidst rising tensions with the U.S., particularly in light of political climates. Polls indicate that a significant majority of Canadians are willing to prioritize local products over American alternatives, exemplified by online communities dedicated to sharing Canadian shopping tips and alternatives. Yet, there is a complex debate about whether purchasing decisions should be the primary indicator of national identity and value systems, as many are questioning what it truly means to be Canadian.
Choosing Canadian: Values and Practices in Consumption
Defining what it means to buy Canadian goes beyond simple labels; it involves understanding the origins and values behind the products. The distinction between products made in Canada versus those that are labeled as products of Canada highlights the complex nature of consumption and citizenship. Consumers express their frustrations around supporting companies that may not align with their values, particularly regarding practices like diversity and sustainability. This call for ethical consumption raises questions about how much effort individuals are willing to invest in researching companies and making purchasing decisions rooted in their values.
Cultural Consumption and Resistance
The discussion around cultural consumption underscores the need for Canadians to reconsider their entertainment choices in the face of powerful U.S. media conglomerates. Individuals are being encouraged to seek out and support Canadian content on platforms like Netflix, as doing so represents a small yet significant act of resistance. The convenience of consuming American media is weighed against the values of supporting local creators and narratives that reflect Canadian identity. By recalibrating their media consumption habits, Canadians can engage more deeply with their culture and contribute to a more resilient local economy.
Even with the tariffs on U.S. goods mostly on pause for the rest of the month, many are still doing what they can to “Buy Canadian” and switch their buying habits away from anything American-made. But how do you actually go about doing that? And should it extend into our digital and media habits too?
Vass Bednar, executive director of McMaster University's Master of Public Policy and Digital Society program and author of The Big Fix: How Companies Capture Markets and Harm Canadians, joins us to wade through the murky waters of navigating a trade war in a country that’s so intertwined with its neighbour to the south.