Dawson City’s Buy Canadian Movement Faces Challenges After 7 Months

URGENT UPDATE: The Buy Canadian movement in Dawson City, Yukon, is experiencing a noticeable shift, just seven months after its inception in response to escalating trade tensions between Canada and the United States. While many residents continue to champion the initiative, some local business owners report a decline in momentum.

Residents and business owners initially rallied in early January 2023, vowing to prioritize Canadian-made, produced, and sourced goods amidst ongoing trade disputes. However, as of August 2023, the enthusiasm appears to be waning. Kyler Mather, owner of the General Store on Front Street, noted that while customers still opt for Canadian products, the urgency has fluctuated.

“I think a little while ago it seemed like maybe people weren’t quite on that bandwagon so much, but recent news about tariffs has reignited interest,” Mather stated. He emphasized that as long as tariffs remain in place, the movement will likely persist.

Dawson resident Nicolas Wettstein stands firmly behind the Buy Canadian movement, even at personal cost. “I love Bush’s baked beans but I haven’t bought a can in two months,” Wettstein expressed. He made it clear that he is willing to alter his purchasing habits to support Canadian businesses, stating, “I don’t plan on traveling to the States or anything like that.” His commitment illustrates a deep sense of national pride that resonates with many local shoppers.

Just a short distance away, Nathan Naherniak, manager of the Bonanza Market, highlighted a drop in consumer enthusiasm. Initially, around 70% of his customers actively inquired about the origin of products, favoring Canadian options. That number has now slipped to approximately 40%. “It’s definitely dropped but it’s still there,” Naherniak commented, acknowledging that the movement’s visibility may have diminished over the summer months.

The sentiment among local businesses suggests that while the initial fervor surrounding the Buy Canadian initiative was palpable, the impact of seasonal distractions and less media coverage may have contributed to a decline in public engagement. “It has lost a little bit of steam,” Naherniak admitted.

Randi Ostashek, who works alongside Naherniak, remains committed to supporting Canadian agriculture and markets regardless of how popular the trend may become. “We really should be investing in our own country first,” Ostashek urged.

As Dawson City navigates this pivotal moment, the community’s commitment to supporting local businesses and Canadian products remains strong, although the path forward appears uncertain.

What’s Next: Local businesses and residents will continue to monitor the impact of ongoing tariffs and the evolving trade landscape. With the potential for shifts in policy and public sentiment, Dawson City’s Buy Canadian movement may see renewed vigor or further challenges in the months to come.

The urgency to support local businesses is more relevant than ever as the community grapples with the implications of international trade relations. Community members are encouraged to share their experiences and support their local economy to keep the movement alive.