Canadians Embrace ‘Buy Canadian’ Movement One Year After Trump’s Return

The movement to support local Canadian products continues to thrive one year after the inauguration of Donald Trump on January 20, 2025. Retail expert Bruce Winder reports that many Canadians are dedicated to purchasing Canadian goods, though economic challenges have made this commitment difficult for some. As Trump’s administration has implemented tariffs and other trade restrictions, Canadians have increasingly turned away from American products, impacting both consumer behavior and the retail landscape.

Winder, speaking to CTV News, noted that the sentiment of buying Canadian has remained robust despite initial expectations that it would decline over time. “Folks thought it would wane a little bit… but, according to all the research I’ve read, it’s still fairly strong,” he stated. The retail environment has transformed into a “two-tiered” economy, where affluent consumers continue to spend, while others are constrained by rising inflation and stagnant wages.

For many, the desire to support Canadian goods is tempered by financial realities. Winder explained, “Inflation’s a little high, wages haven’t kept up with rents, so for certain consumers, they might want to buy Canadian, but they might not be able to afford it.” This economic divide highlights the complexities within the Buy Canadian movement, with some consumers opting for budget retailers like No Frills and Dollarama.

Grocery Sector Sees Surge in Local Support

The grocery aisle has been a notable area of growth for the Buy Canadian movement. Winder pointed to significant consumer shifts towards Canadian food brands, with retailers such as Loblaws and Canadian Tire experiencing uplift in sales as a result. “Food has been one of the bigger ones… I think overall, at the end of the day, Canadians want to buy Canadian every time the administration in the south talks about Canada,” Winder added.

As Trump has shifted his focus in recent months, particularly towards Greenland, there remains a consistent undercurrent of support for Canadian products among consumers. The ongoing trade disputes and tariffs have, in some ways, galvanized a commitment to local purchasing, reinforcing national pride and economic resilience.

Internationally, the Buy Canadian sentiment has resonated beyond Canada’s borders. Pierre Kiel, a German-Danish student, expressed solidarity with Canadian consumers, noting a shared sentiment among Germans, Danes, and Canadians regarding Trump’s aggressive trade policies. “We kind of feel like the Canadians and the Danes… have the same lingering sentiment against Trump,” he remarked.

Shifts in Alcohol Consumption and Travel Patterns

The movement has also influenced alcohol consumption patterns in Canada. A recent survey conducted by Nanos revealed that nearly three-quarters of Canadians support keeping U.S. liquor out of government-owned stores. This strategy serves as a pointed response to U.S. tariffs and trade practices. While provinces like Alberta have allowed U.S. liquor back on shelves, the sentiment remains strong among many consumers who prefer local options.

Travel statistics from Stats Canada underscore the impact of these sentiments on cross-border travel. In December 2025, there was a significant decline in Canadian trips to the U.S., with a drop of 18.7 percent in air travel and 30.7 percent for automobile trips compared to the same time in 2024. This represents 12 consecutive months of year-over-year declines, reflecting changing attitudes towards American travel amid ongoing trade tensions.

As Canada navigates the complexities of its relationship with the U.S. under Trump’s administration, the Buy Canadian movement continues to resonate with consumers. The commitment to support local products remains a powerful expression of national identity and economic strategy, despite the challenges posed by inflation and market disparities.