Canadians are dealing with a lot of economic uncertainty. The threat of tariffs from the United States is on-again, off-again, and we’re all trying to prepare in case they materialize. If we do end up in a trade war, prices are likely to rise, small businesses will struggle, jobs may be lost.  

In response, some people planned to avoid buying goods made by American companies if the tariffs were implemented. This approach makes sense: supporting local and sourcing goods from Canadian businesses is a good way to help weather the economic storm these tariffs would create.   

But even without tariffs in place, supporting Canadian companies and workers is a good idea. And you can ensure your dollar makes the biggest possible impact on the Canadian economy by supporting more co-ops. Buying local, creating good jobs, and placing people over profits are what set co-ops apart from other companies. Canada’s co-ops are the perfect example of “made right here” because they’re set up by Canadians, to serve Canadians.   

Here are three ways you can support Canadian co-ops:  

Shop at your local co-op  

The Co-operative Retailing System is a 100% Canadian-owned and controlled network of companies. These co-ops are owned by their customers and the profits from these businesses are returned to shoppers through patronage refunds. Plus, local co-ops and their wholesaler Federated Co-operatives Limited contribute millions of dollars each year to community groups, charities, and local infrastructure.   

While browsing the aisles of your local co-op, consider purchasing one of the co-op brands like Co-op Gold, Centsibles, or Market town. These brands are made in western Canada using primarily Western Canadian-produced ingredients. That means your money is supporting a Canadian retailer that creates Canadian jobs and supports Canadian manufacturing that purchases from Canadian farmers and agribusinesses.   

Buy goods made by a co-op  

During your next visit to the grocery store, take a moment to read up on where your favourite products are made. Lots of goods will say they’re Canadian-made, but their parent companies are actually American. That’s never the case with a co-op.   

In the dairy section, watch for products made by large dairy co-ops like Gay Lea Foods, Agropur, or Agrifoods International, which are farmer-owned co-operatives.   

To satisfy that sweet tooth, look for Camino chocolate made by La Siembra Worker Co-op. Or if you need to sweeten your tea, look for products from BeeMaid, a co-op of bee farmers.   

Your community might have its own co-op that sells the goods of local producers, like The Gathering Place co-op in Alberta. Many farmers’ markets are organized as co-operatives as well. These are a great way to directly support local businesses.  

Start your own co-op  

The US and Canadian economies are highly integrated. And while that has led to efficiencies and economic growth, it’s also led to the instability we currently face. To ensure affordable access to the goods you need, consider creating a new co-op that allows you and your community to control the cost of goods and where you source materials.   

At Co-operatives First, we’ve worked with co-op entrepreneurs who produce and sell a variety of goods, including produce and flower seeds in BC, local beef in southern Saskatchewan, flowers in Edmonton, and cannabis.   

We’re here to help!  

If you’re interested in starting a co-operative business, get in touch with us. Our team of experts can help you take your business from an idea to a reality. And if you want to learn more about Canadian co-ops, check out our online courses.