Why Buying Made in Canada Matters

When you buy Canadian made goods you are not only supporting the Canadian economy, you are also contributing to a lower carbon footprint, higher wages, workers rights, job sustainability and creation, and a future for the next generation of Canadians.

With all of these benefits, you may wonder why we import so many products from other countries. There are a few reasons, some logistical, some political, and many for financial gain or savings.

We only ask that whenever you can, consider buying Canadian.

Humans have been trading goods for centuries. As far back as the Bronze age, humans have been trading consumables such as wine and spices. Trade relations and trade routes have had a huge influence on culture and technology.

Not everyone benefited from increased global trade. European kingdoms relied on colonization to continuously reap both raw materials and labour for their trade endeavours, often devastating indigenous inhabitants through violence, disease and exploitation.

Some trade alliances were formed with local populations that at times benefited both parties, but ultimately would favour the colonizer. This approach continued in North America with the fur trade, the economic engine that led to the establishment of Canada as a country.

Today Canada is a large country geographically with a lot of natural resources and a small population to work and make money for the economy. Trade with other nations has been an essential part of the growth and sustainability of the Canadian economy.

One of the most well known trade agreements, and hotly contested as to its benefits vs downsides, is NAFTA or the North American Free Trade Agreement, which came into effect January 1 1994. The agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico was designed to make trade more profitable by reducing the barriers and regulations that cost time and money.

While most economic analysis indicates NAFTA was beneficial for the average citizen, certain industries and employment opportunities were decimated by the increased competition.

Not everything can be made in Canada, and that’s okay. Some products require specific climates, resources, or centuries-old traditions that are impossible to replicate elsewhere. For example:

• Authentic Parmigiano Reggiano can only be produced in Italy due to strict regulations on its origin and process
• Scotch whisky must be made in Scotland to earn the name, following centuries-old distilling techniques
• Tropical fruits like bananas, citrus, and coffee beans can’t grow in Canada’s climate, making imports necessary

These global goods enrich our lives, but when a Canadian-made alternative is available, it’s worth considering for the greater good.

The Canadian economy also relies heavily on the export of natural resources including lumber, oil and gas, most of which goes to the US.

We also produce consumables that are uniquely Canadian, including artisanal cheeses from Quebec and pure Canadian maple syrup. There is an array of candy and other tasty junkfood that is only sold in Canada and often the UK, but not available in the US.

According to the Competition Bureau of Canada, a product can be labelled “Made in Canada” if at least 51% of its production costs are domestic. However, supporting Canadian-made goes beyond percentages—it means investing in our economy, reducing our environmental impact, and ensuring ethical working conditions.

1. Strengthening the Local Economy: Choosing Canadian products supports businesses, creates jobs, and ensures financial stability for local industries. A thriving manufacturing sector means a more resilient economy.
2. Lower Carbon Footprint: Imported goods often travel thousands of kilometres before reaching store shelves. Canadian-made products, on the other hand, reduce transportation emissions and provide a more stable supply chain.
3. Ethical and Environmental Standards: Canadian labour laws ensure fair wages and safe working conditions. Environmental regulations also hold companies accountable for sustainable practices, unlike in many other parts of the world.

At Floré Canadian Incense, we prioritize Canadian suppliers whenever possible. While some materials must be sourced globally—such as raw incense sticks from Vietnam —we make a conscious effort to work with local companies for everything else:

• Aromatics and Flavors Inc. (Scarborough, ON) – Provides our fragrance and essential oils
• Jess Nichols (Ottawa, ON) – Designs our branding and marketing materials
• Mike Allan (Toronto, ON) – Handles SEO and website content support
• MLHC (GTA, ON) - Accounting and business support
• Planet Paper (Mississauga, ON) – Produces our boxes
• Rocket Surgery Solutions (Toronto, ON) - Custom production infastructure
• Rootree (Burlington, ON) – Manufactures our packaging

By working with Canadian suppliers, specifically those within the province of Ontario, we contribute to a strong, sustainable economy while maintaining the highest standards in product quality.

Every purchase is an opportunity to support ethical practices, fair wages, and a cleaner environment. While global trade remains essential, prioritizing Canadian-made whenever possible helps build a better future for workers, businesses, and consumers.

Next time you shop, consider the impact of your purchase—it’s more than just a product; it’s a vote for the kind of world you want to live in.