Ottawa residents are once again on the hunt for the maple leaf on packaging as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens a new round of tariffs on Canadian goods, reviving a 'buy Canadian' movement that first took hold across the capital last year.
A familiar routine, back again
For many in Ottawa, checking country-of-origin labels before tossing something in the cart has become second nature. CBC Ottawa's Cameron Mahler spoke with residents who say the latest tariff threat from Washington has reinforced habits they picked up during earlier rounds of trade tension — flipping over packages, hunting for Canadian-made stickers, and steering away from U.S. brands when a local alternative exists.
The sentiment reflects a broader trend playing out in grocery stores, hardware shops, and independent retailers across the city, where 'Made in Canada' signage has become a common sight near checkout counters.
Why Ottawa is paying close attention
As the seat of the federal government, Ottawa has a front-row seat to Canada-U.S. trade politics, and residents here tend to feel the ripple effects of tariff announcements quickly — both through federal policy discussions happening downtown and through prices on store shelves in neighbourhoods like the Byward Market, Westboro, and the Glebe.
Local business owners in the capital have also told CBC they're seeing more customers specifically ask about the origin of products, a shift that's prompting some Ottawa retailers to more prominently stock and label Canadian-made goods.
What shoppers are saying
Residents interviewed by CBC Ottawa described a mix of frustration and resolve. Many said the back-and-forth of tariff threats has made them more deliberate shoppers overall, even for everyday purchases like produce, cleaning supplies, and pantry staples. Others pointed to the symbolic value of supporting Canadian companies as a way to push back against economic pressure from south of the border.
The bigger picture
Trump's latest tariff threat targets a range of Canadian goods, though specifics of which sectors would be hit hardest remain in flux. For Ottawa, a city whose economy is closely tied to federal government activity and the broader Ontario manufacturing and tech supply chain, any prolonged trade dispute could have knock-on effects beyond the checkout line.
For now, though, the response from residents has been largely practical: read the label, ask questions, and choose Canadian when possible. It's a small act, but one that Ottawa shoppers say adds up.
Source: CBC Ottawa
