New data shows ‘Buy Canadian’ movement still going strong

A "product of Canada" sign is seen in a B.C. grocery store. (CTV News)

When the ‘Buy Canadian’ movement started over a year ago, it was no shock Canadians quickly jumped on the bandwagon.

What businesses didn’t expect was for it to stick around.

“Clients and consumers are looking to always purchase local. They’re asking for us to bring in local items, whether it’s from local bakeries or local deli shops. So, we’re always constantly getting an influx of customers looking for those types of items,” says Claude Moulaison, the general manager at Arthur’s Urban Market in Halifax.

“We never say no. We’re excited about it, and we keep bringing as much as local we can.”

It’s something businesses nationwide are taking notice of.

New data from the Canadian Internet Registration Authority saw an uptick in sales for ‘dot.ca’ domains.

“We’re seeing about a 30 per cent increase in ‘dot.ca’ domain name sales. We really saw a big momentum shift around the time the U.S tariffs were first announced in early 2025,” says Spencer Callaghan, director of brand and communications for the authority.

“The ‘Buy Canadian’ movement is definitely being reflected in the purchase of dot.ca domains. We think that actually makes sense because it’s more important than ever for Canadian businesses to identify themselves clearly online as Canadian.”

He adds it’s a trend that seems to be growing stronger as buying local continues to be put into practice all over the country.

“I grew up on a farm, so I think it’s definitely worthwhile to shop local and support local farmers in the area,” says Halifax resident Merissa Landry.

“I would hope people are choosing to support local and build within our communities, support members of the community that way, I think that’s definitely something everyone should be doing.”

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