Vendors at the Brockville Farmers’ Market feeling impact of ‘buy Canadian’ push

A "Proudly Canadian" sign at the Brockville Farmers' Market on May 31, 2025. (Jack Richardson/CTV News Ottawa)

The Brockville Farmers’ Market returned for its 193rd year this month, running every Thursday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. until September

Vendors say the push to support Canadian companies amid trade tensions with the United States has been felt positively by vendors.

Darren McGuin is the co-owner of Birdie Blocks, a bird feed business from Iroquois, Ont. He says he’s had an easier time convincing clients to buy from his business over his American competitors.

“I see lots of that coming through,” McGuin said. “People are supporting Canadian products and that’s what we gotta do.”

Additionally, volunteers with the Brockville Rotary Club have been selling lawn signs that read “Proudly Canadian” and “Canada Proud” in an initiative leading up to Canada Day.

“We’re encouraging residents of Brockville to get their red and white on for Canada Day,” said Rotary Club volunteer Jacquie Pepper-Journal.

Kathy Riddell made the journey to the market Saturday from Cornwall. She didn’t leave empty handed, purchasing several signs for her lawn as well as signs for family and friends.

“We want the message spread that we’re proud Canadians. We’ve been too silent about how proud we are,” she said.