Shoppers shift focus to Canadian products amid tariff concerns

Local reaction is heated over the impacts of Trump’s tariffs.

The U.S. decision to impose tariffs on Canadian goods has sparked strong reactions, with many residents expressing their support for buying local. However, some admit they’re taking the opportunity to stock up on American products before they potentially disappear from store shelves.

While shopping in Barrie, Jennifer Price said she sees a silver lining in the situation.

“Supporting Canada is great, so there is a plus side, right? Now we can support Canadian wineries instead of the American ones,” she said.

Breweries and wineries across Ontario are hoping to attract new customers as tensions over trade mount.

Heritage Estate Winery in Barrie, which produces and sells wine and cider locally, is prepared to fill any gaps.

“We shop local as much as we possibly can, and local products go into our products, so we should be okay with the production side of it,” said Sheena Tolland of Heritage Estate Winery. “We have an amazing product here, lots available, and we definitely want people to try it, enjoy it, and keep coming back.”

The tariffs, once implemented, would affect a wide range of goods, from vehicles to groceries.

Dale Wardley, a longtime supporter of Canadian-made products, said he intends to be even more mindful of where his food comes from.

“I don’t have to worry about alcohol—I’ve always bought Canadian anyway,” he said. “As far as groceries go, yes, I’m going to look and make sure it’s Canadian. It all has to be within reason, but yeah, I’m going to shop Canadian.”

That sentiment was echoed by many out grocery shopping across the region on Monday. While few are happy about the trade dispute, many say they’re ready to shift their spending habits.

Helen Beck is among those making a firm commitment.

“Yes, I am going to start buying all Canadian products. I’m not buying American products whatsoever,” she said. “I even have one thing in particular that I really like—Folgers coffee—but I’ll be buying another kind of coffee instead.”

Despite the strong reaction, there may be some temporary relief. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on social media that the tariffs have been put on hold following discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump.

“I just had a good call with President Trump,” Trudeau wrote. “Canada is implementing our $1.3 billion border plan—reinforcing the border with new choppers, technology, and personnel, enhanced coordination with our American partners, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl.”

The prime minister said nearly 10,000 personnel would be working to protect the border. Canada has also committed to appointing a Fentanyl Czar, designating cartels as terrorist organizations, ensuring 24/7 border surveillance, and launching a Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime, fentanyl, and money laundering.

“I have also signed a new intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl, and we will be backing it with $200 million,” Trudeau continued.

As a result of these commitments, the proposed tariffs will be delayed for at least 30 days while both countries continue negotiations.

With files from CTV’s Rob Cooper