Why Shopping Canadian Matters Now
By myShopfront · 9/7/2026
If it feels like the news about Canada and the US keeps getting more tense, that's because it is. And it's landing directly in the place that affects all of us the most: what things cost, and where our money as Canadians actually goes
What's actually happening right now
In August 2026, the United States moved forward with a 50% tariff on a broad range of Canadian goods, the first time tariffs at that scale have applied even to goods that were previously protected under the countries' trade agreement. Canada didn't sit that one out.
Starting this week, on September 8th, Canada is applying its own tariffs of 15 to 50% on close to $20 billion USD worth of American imports, matching the US measures dollar for dollar. It covers product categories including steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, electronics, apparel, and footwear on the seemingly fast growing list.
Whichever side of the border you're watching this from, the message is the same: this isn't a temporary dust-up. It's a massive shift in how the two historically amicable economies will do business with each other going forward. Any hope for resolve doesn't appear to be anywhere in sight.
Canadians are already responding, and it's showing up in real spending
This isn't just sentiment on social media. Grocers have started adding tariff labels next to the maple leaf symbols they already use to flag homegrown products, because shoppers are actually looking for that information before they buy.
National surveys have found the vast majority of Canadians now say they're prioritizing Canadian products, most saying that they'd be willing to pay a bit more to support their economy, and a vast share of folks say they're actively avoiding major US retailers altogether. This isn't a passing reaction; it's a new standard shopping habit that has been forming over the last couple of years, and is now taking a certain precedence.
And it makes sense. When the cost of a product is shaped by which side of a border it crossed, where you choose to spend stops being a small decision. It becomes a statement about where you want your money, and your support, to actually go.
Why this matters more for local, independent businesses
Local Canadian businesses aren't the ones setting off trade disputes, but they're very often the ones best positioned to benefit from the shift in how Canadians want to spend.
A local business building it's roots closer to home is often easier said then done, especially when the majority of their existing clients are based on the other side of the border.
The catch is the same one it's always been: intent to buy Canadian doesn't automatically turn into action.
Wanting to buy Canadian and knowing where to actually find Canadian brands are two different things, and right now, most local businesses are still scattered across their own individual sites and social pages instead of being somewhere shoppers can easily find them.
Where myShopfront fits into this moment
This is exactly the gap myShopfront was built to close. On it's own, it's a curated marketplace where Canadian shoppers can find real, local, vetted businesses in their own city, and where those businesses can finally be visible to the people who are actively looking to support them right now, not eventually. Think of it as the Canadian alternative to Amazon.
Phase two will introduce the digital Marketplace to the physical world as we partner with more local shopping centres and BIAs to bring local businesses to you, more regularly.
If you're a shopper who's already decided you'd rather buy Canadian, explore what's local to you.
If you're a business owner watching this trade situation and wondering how to turn rising Canadian pride into real customers, get your business listed while that demand is actively looking for somewhere to land.
FAQ
What tariffs are currently in effect between Canada and the US?
As of late summer 2026, the US applied a 50% tariff on a broad range of Canadian goods, and Canada responded with its own tariffs of 15 to 50% on close to $20 billion USD of American imports, covering sectors including steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, electronics, apparel, and footwear.
Is the "buy Canadian" movement actually changing how people shop?
Yes. Recent national surveys show the strong majority of Canadians are prioritizing Canadian products, and a large share say they're willing to pay more and are actively avoiding major US retailers.
How can I find local Canadian businesses to support?
myShopfront brings vetted, local Canadian brands and businesses together in one curated marketplace organized by city, so you don't have to hunt across individual websites and social pages to find them.