Are you still committed to buying Canadian? One Ontario hockey dad is on a mission to ensure you don’t forget—and he’s 135 days deep into his journey. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is the ‘buy Canadian’ movement just a trend, or is it a lasting shift in how we shop? Let’s dive in.
In the heart of Ontario, Chris Agro, a dedicated father and passionate advocate, has been spotlighting Canadian-made products for over four months straight. His goal? To inspire more people to prioritize local goods and rethink their shopping habits. From Dempster’s bread to Oasis juice, Agro is on a quest to celebrate the stories behind Canadian brands—big and small—on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. And this is the part most people miss: It’s not just about the products; it’s about the pride and connection they foster.
Agro’s journey began with a simple post about bagged milk—a quintessentially Canadian item that sparked conversations across the country. This led him to explore other culturally significant products, turning his curiosity into a full-fledged movement. Now, his grocery trips take twice as long as he hunts for new items to feature, and he even receives recommendations from small businesses eager to share their stories.
But here’s the kicker: What does ‘buying Canadian’ really mean? With labels like ‘Made in Canada’ and ‘Product of Canada’ often confusing shoppers, Agro focuses on the bigger picture: supporting Canadian workers and families. He doesn’t get bogged down by controversies like ‘maple-washing,’ where U.S. products masquerade as Canadian. Instead, he sticks to his mission: ‘My list, my rules.’
This project has transformed Agro’s perspective. Once dreaming of California or Florida, he now finds himself drawn to exploring Canada’s own treasures, from Vancouver to Halifax. ‘We take it for granted sometimes, all the beautiful things and places we have,’ he reflects. ‘This journey has reconnected me to Canada and its people.’
While Agro admits his project has a shelf life, he’s already expanding its scope to celebrate the diverse cultural achievements Canadians can be proud of. Here’s the question for you: Is the ‘buy Canadian’ movement a fleeting trend, or is it reshaping how we think about our purchases? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
