Before we begin, please leave a comment below to share your favourite Canadian businesses!
Okay... Here we go:
As we prepare to produce and launch our first ever collection (AHHH!) at the end of March, I can't help but have mixed feelings about the political mess that Canada is engaging in south of the border.
I'm sure you have been aware of the growing tensions concerning the tariffs that the United States is in the process of imposing on Canadian imports. These trade restrictions are creating uncertainty for businesses and consumers alike, potentially leading to increased costs and major supply chain disruptions. While this situation is undoubtedly challenging and scary as the cost of living is unimaginably high pretty much everywhere, it also presents an important opportunity: now is the time to rally behind Canadian businesses, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs like never before.
I see this as the one silver lining in this trade dispute, pushing Canadians to search for domestically made alternatives and in turn invest more in our own economy. Supporting Canadian businesses means strengthening our local industries, fostering job growth, and ensuring that our money stays within our communities. To put this into perspective, a statistic I recently came across reads: "For every dollar spent at a small business, 66 cents on average stays local, according to new data from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). Conversely, only 11 cents of every dollar spent stays in the community when consumers shop at a large multinational business."
Now, more than ever, we must be intentional about where and how we spend our money especially if we look forward to a stronger Canadian dollar.
Since even before founding this company, I have spent countless hours thinking about how to make the general public care about domestic, ethical manufacturing. It seems that we have gotten far too caught up in finding the lowest price without considering that someone else on the other side of the world harshly paid the actual price of our cheap goods. I urge you to research the companies that you buy from with as much care as you would research the ingredients in your food, where to send your kids to school, and what medications you have been prescribed. The negative impact that unethical corporations have on our planet is far greater than one may think. I fear that the threat of these tariffs is what we need to wake up.
Now I know what some of you are thinking - what about those of us who can't afford to shop local? I promise you that there are affordable options out there depending on what each and every one of us defines as affordable. I will refrain from making suggestions because my definition of "affordable" may differ from yours; I think we all need to do our own research (a few directories are included below). I would like you to think about which physical products you place a higher dollar value on and ask yourself why you feel this way. Think about the physical products you place less value on and consider the amount of human effort that likely went into creating that product. Does that product deserve more respect? I can say with absolute confidence that the clothing industry has been dangerously devalued due to the unethical practices perpetuated by large corporations. A $10 t-shirt is worth FAR more when you consider the amount of time, labour, and resources it takes to produce just one t-shirt.
You may also be thinking - why does all of this fall on my shoulders? It doesn't. Our government MUST take the steps to incentivize domestically manufactured products and Canadian owned businesses. I saw a fantastic instagram reel recently which explains how tax incentives can ensure that Canadian made products are the best choice on the shelf. I imagine if taxes were lowered or even removed from domestically manufactured products, consumers would be much more inclined to purchase. I'm not sure what the answer is when it comes to capturing the attention of government officials, but I am doing my research and trying to become more politically involved especially at the provincial level. As a business owner I now feel that it is my duty to advocate for support.
At Studio Dialectica, we have always sourced our materials and manufactured our products domestically, ensuring that every piece we create is rooted in Canadian craftsmanship and sustainability. We are glad to say that our costs and pricing remain unaffected by these tariffs. However, many other businesses are now facing tough transitions as they work towards sourcing domestically. These companies deserve our patience and support as they navigate this shift.
The uncertainty of a trade war is daunting, but it also serves as a reminder that we have the power to shape our own economic future. By supporting Canadian businesses, we are investing in a more self-sufficient, resilient economy that can withstand global challenges. Let’s make 2025 the year of intentional shopping, community support, and Canadian pride.
If you're curious to get started in researching Canadian brands to replace the products you currently buy, I have too many favourites to choose from but these are fantastic places to search (a lot of my favourites are in these directories):
Ontario Small Business Community
(you may also consider finding directories specific to other provinces)
I also recommend visiting in-person markets near you. If you're able to attend, the One of a Kind show is a fantastic place to meet hundreds of Canadian makers, plus Studio Dialectica will be there!
I would love to know your thoughts on all this and some of your favourite Canadian brands? Share them in the comments and let’s continue this conversation!
I am hopeful that this situation will bring Canadians together like never before, allowing our domestic companies to grow and become self-sufficient powerhouses!
Until next month (we'll be talking all about our new collection 😃),
Arushi
Founder, Studio Dialectica
Banner image by Ilana Gotz