MADE IN CANADA - We have choices and we have opportunity!

Over the past few weeks, much of the conversation has revolved around Mr. "Humpty Trumpty" and his new administration, with a growing sense of doom and gloom hanging over Canada. Sometimes forced to change your habits are hard in the moment but can make large positive impacts overtime.

Many are concerned about the future of Canadian cities, citizens, and our economy. As the country faces uncertain times, it feels as though we're perched on the edge, watching as the pieces of our national well-being seem to be falling apart, and wondering what, if anything, can be done to put it all back together. The outlook is troubling, but it’s crucial that we don’t lose hope or forget the power we have to shape our own future. Canada’s future.  

As we navigate the shifting landscape under the newly elected U.S. administration, it’s time for Canadians to step back, reassess, and rethink our habits, values, and purchasing decisions. We’ve long found ourselves caught between loyalty to our American neighbors and the need to chart our own course. But this moment? This moment is a wake-up call for me, a chance to think beyond the familiar and “this is how it’s always been done” habits and shift our mindset from "USA Made" to “MADE IN CANADA".

We have choices, and it’s important not to take that for granted, especially when so many people around the world don't have that same privilege, or their choices are being taken away. Let’s get one thing straight: the global market doesn’t begin and end with the U.S. In fact, there are 7 billion consumers out there, and if “Humpty Dumpty” needs to build his wall, we don’t need to blink twice before these 7 billion people pivot to alternatives.

Think about it. The iPhone? I am sure Samsung or Huawei would be happy to take your business. Levi’s jeans? No problem—Zara has you covered with style and a bit of European panache. Do we really need to drive a Ford or a Tesla, what about a switch to Toyota, Honda, Mazda, BMW—you name it. In fact, some alternative imports perform better than a lot of the American-made options if we have no option for a home made version!

 I’ve loved many American Brands over the years. But from now on, I’ll definitely pause and think twice before making those purchases. We, as consumers, have more power than we often realize, and it's time we use it.

By supporting these brands for so long, we've shown them our loyalty. Now, it’s important to let them know that when administrations make decisions that don’t consider the impact on their customers—like rising prices or sourcing issues—it has consequences. Change starts with us, and by making informed choices, we can inspire brands to do better, for the communities that have stood by them. So, in that spirit, here’s a list of Canadian-owned and manufactured alternatives to some of the most popular American-owned products.

Did we truly understand that we have choices? Choices from other areas of work, even when we're not at home?

Amazon → SHOP LOCAL

Apple (USA) → Samsung (South Korea)

PepsiCo (USA) → Cott Corporation (Canada)

Ralph Lauren (USA) → Zara (Spain)

Levi’s (USA) → Dish & Duer (Canada)

Nike (USA) → Adidas (Germany)

Ford (USA) → Toyota (Japan)

Chevrolet (USA) → Volkswagen (Germany)

Tesla (USA) → BMW (Germany)

General Electric (USA) → Siemens (Germany)

Procter & Gamble (USA) → Unilever (UK/Netherlands)

Colgate-Palmolive (USA) → Henkel (Germany)

Johnson & Johnson (USA) → Sanofi (France)

Kraft Heinz (USA) → Nestlé (Switzerland)

Hershey’s (USA) → Purdy’s Chocolatier (Canada)

Mars (USA) → Ferrero (Italy)

Frito-Lay (USA) → Old Dutch Foods (Canada)

Home Depot (USA) → Home Hardware (Canada)

Lowe’s (USA) → Bunnings Warehouse (Australia)

Walmart (USA) → Tesco (UK)

Target (USA) → IKEA (Sweden)

Microsoft (USA) → SAP (Germany)

Dell (USA) → Lenovo (China)

Bose (USA) → Sennheiser (Germany)

Whirlpool (USA) → Samsung Electronics (South Korea)

GE Appliances (USA) → Miele (Germany)

Budweiser (USA) → Heineken (Netherlands)

Anheuser-Busch InBev (USA) → Carlsberg (Denmark)

Jack Daniel’s (USA) → Johnnie Walker (Scotland)

MacDonald (USA) → A&W Canada (Canada)

Subway(USA) → Mr Sub (Canada)

Chevron (USA) → Husky (Canada)

Comcast (USA) → Sky Group (UK)

Disney (USA) → Studio Ghibli (Japan)

Pixar (USA) → Toei Animation (Japan)

NBCUniversal (USA) → Sony Pictures (Japan)

Netflix (USA) → Crave (Canada)

Etsy (USA) → Shopify (Canada)

GoPro (USA) → iOptron (Canada)

Bridgestone (USA) → Continental (Germany)

Schick (USA) → Dorco (South Korea)

Dove (USA) → Nivea (Germany)

Old Spice (USA) → L’Oréal (France)

Olay (USA) → Lush (UK)

Neutrogena (USA) → Aesop (Australia)

Windex (USA) → Mint Cleaning (Canada)

Swiffer (USA) → Bona (Sweden)

Tide (USA) → Ecos (USA)

Energizer (USA) → Varta (Germany)

Thermos (USA) → Zojirushi (Japan)

Sunkist (USA) → SunRype (Canada)

Vicks (USA) → Buckley’s (Canada)

Pepto-Bismol (USA) → Dulcolax (Germany)

Lysol (USA) → Dettol (UK)

Crest (USA) → Sensodyne (UK)

Oral-B (USA) → Elmex (Germany)

Wrigley’s (USA) → Haribo (Germany)

Tropicana (USA) → Oasis (Canada)

Macy’s (USA) → John Lewis (UK)

J.C. Penney (USA) → Marks & Spencer (UK)

It’s time for Canada to stand tall! We’ve been loyal neighbors to the US of A, but this is our chance to start leading with our own vision for our own communities. It’s not about turning our backs on America, but about ensuring we don’t sacrifice our interests for the sake of convenience or old habits.

At Jamie Banfield Design Inc., we’re ready to embrace local like never before, and we’re calling for open dialogue, smarter, sustainable relationships, and a commitment to trade with innovative nations around the world. This is also a crucial moment for our federal government to consider investing more deeply into Canada—especially in our manufacturing and local industries. By focusing on nurturing these sectors, we can strengthen our economy, create jobs, and reduce our dependency on foreign imports.

However, it’s essential that these investments are made with a sense of responsibility, compassion, and integrity. Sustainable practices, fair wages, and the well-being of workers and communities must remain at the forefront of any economic initiatives. With mindful leadership, we can build a more resilient and prosperous Canada that not only supports its industries but also ensures fairness and equity for all Canadians.

This is the kind of investment that can shape the future in a way that benefits everyone, with an eye toward long-term growth and a thriving, compassionate society. We have world-class alternatives for technology, automobiles, fashion, entertainment, and tourism—and that “Made in the USA” stamp is no longer as impressive when it’s not the only game in town. And yes, Canadians, we need to stop being so humble about it, shout loud and showcase these talents worldwide and invest in local and national industry. We need to raise awareness among our local, provincial, and federal elected officials about these issues.

It’s time to double down on that “MADE IN CANADA” stamp! Be bold, be loud, and be proud of the incredible work coming from our own backyard. My heart truly breaks for our neighbors to the south as they navigate this new landscape—it doesn't sit well with them down to their bones. I feel for the small U.S. businesses that have poured their heart and soul into breaking into new markets, only to face the shifting sands of policy changes and economic barriers. It’s tough for those American sales teams, tirelessly working to build relationships in Canada, just to see their efforts suddenly become more complicated, if not stalled.

Let’s not forget the project managers and territory managers who’ve been handling U.S. projects and services in Canada. They've worked tirelessly to build relationships and get things done, but now they’re questioning how sustainable this approach is with changing trade dynamics. This is the perfect time to educate U.S.-owned businesses that as Canadian consumers, we have choices. It's important to communicate with your local retailers, distributors, and sales associates, letting them know that you’re hitting pause on sourcing from the U.S. This will spark important conversations at the upper levels of business development and sales, where decisions impact the newly elected American administration. Many of these brands and manufacturers played a role in shaping the outcomes of the U.S. election, influencing overall policy and direction. However, they may not have considered how those decisions affect key allies, consumers, and friends like us.

They’re caught in a difficult position, and while we strive to build smarter, independent relationships, I can’t help but feel the weight of what this could mean for them. This isn’t just about competition. This is about shifting the narrative and taking ownership of our future. We can support fair trade, advocate for mutual respect, and make smart choices that benefit OUR economy, OUR communities, and the OUR environment.

Got it! It might take a little longer to get them, but you’re still making it work. Maybe things will cost a bit more, the solution might not be exactly what you’re used to, and you might have to take a few extra steps to get your hands on that product or item you used to just pick up from across the border. Let’s just think local. But here’s the thing—it’s a short-term symptom with a big, bold game plan in mind. Just like that younger sibling who eventually grows into their own shoes, Canada’s standing on its own two feet, becoming more prosperous, and creating something that’s ours. So yeah, it might take a bit longer, but trust me, the bigger picture is worth it.

I am going to keep my eyes on the prize—our future can look pretty darn bright! As we look to the future, let’s build a Canada that’s not just a loyal neighbor, but a powerful, independent force on the global stage. To make it easier to purchase Canadian-made products, consider using online directories like Made In Canada which list Canadian-owned and operated businesses. E-commerce platforms, such as Shopify, also highlight Canadian crafters and farmers, while specialty sites curate locally sourced goods.

Additionally, you can buy directly from Canadian farmers and producers through farm-to-table delivery services, such as Local Line or Farmers Pick, which offer fresh produce, meat, and dairy from local farms. Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs are another great option, allowing you to subscribe for regular shipments of fresh, locally grown produce, supporting individual farms and reducing reliance on imports.

We have the goods—now let’s show the world what we’re made of. After all, Canadians know how to do things with a little more kindness, a bit more style, and—let’s be real—and a little more diversity!