An online petition for clear “Product of Canada” labels in Canadian grocery stores has gathered over 20,000 signatures so far.
Neal Chauhan, a former Shopify marketer in Toronto, started the petition in the wake of the threat of tariffs on Canadian goods under the direction of U.S. President Donald Trump.
“With Donald Trump imposing a trade war upon Canada, it’s more important than ever to support our local farmers, producers, and artisans,” Chauhan explained in the change.org petition he started earlier this month.
“However, identifying domestically produced items in our grocery stores can be challenging. We propose a straightforward solution: encourage all grocery stores in Canada to prominently display a “Product of Canada” sticker on products that are locally produced.”
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Chauhan says the labels would support local economics, among other things.
“Clearly labelling Canadian-made products empowers consumers to make informed choices, and makes it easier for Canadians to choose to buy local,” he wrote.
He also says there are environmental benefits.
“Purchasing locally produced food reduces transportation distances, avoiding transit through the United States,” Chauhan wrote.
Finally, he argues it will empower consumer choice.
“Prominent ‘Product of Canada’ labels enable consumers to vote with their wallet, keeping more money in the pockets of Canadian companies,” he wrote.
“We urge the Canadian government to implement regulations encouraging grocery stores and retailers to stick a ‘Product of Canada’ sticker on products that are domestically produced. This will not only bolster our local economy, but provide consumers clarity when making purchasing decisions.”
Chauhan said he wants “a more transparent, sustainable, and locally supportive shopping experience in Canada. Together, we can make it easier to identify and choose Canadian-made products, outlasting this trade war.”
Some who signed the petition commented that Trump is a “menace” who is using “bullying tactics” against Canada.
“This would be a quick and easy way for shoppers to identify, and purchase, any goods produced, manufactured, packaged in Canada,” wrote Susan Blight of Milton.
“As consumers, this is one way to stand together against bullying tactics from the U.S.”
Added Allan Berry of Fergus: “Proper labelling is critical in the context of the current American menace.”
Chauhan’s petition is just one of many, according to Sarah Dixon, a Change.org Canada representative.
“People across the country are independently starting similar petitions on Change.org — showing us that Canadians want to buy local but are finding it somewhat challenging,” Dixon said in the statement.