Support Canadian: How Sicily’s Anti-Mafia Strategy Can Strengthen Our Economy
With the pending reinstatement of tariffs on Canadian goods by U.S. President Donald Trump, concerns about the impact on our economy are intensifying. At the same time, media reports indicate that the 'Buy Canadian' movement is gaining momentum online, with more consumers eager to support local businesses. However, many find it challenging to identify which businesses are truly Canadian. People are circulating makeshift spreadsheets online of what they believe to be Canadian products. Some grocery stores are doing their best to point out Canadian products, and some made-in-Canada labels even exist. Yet, without a widely recognized and standardized system, consumers are left guessing. A clear, consistent framework is needed to help them make informed choices that genuinely support our economy.
On a recent trip to Sicily, I encountered the Addiopizzo movement—a grassroots campaign against the Mafia that leverages consumer choice to drive economic and social change. Businesses that refuse to pay "protection money" display a distinct emblem, signalling their commitment to ethical commerce. This simple yet powerful label allows consumers to make informed decisions and directly support businesses that uphold integrity.
This experience sparked an idea: What if Canada adopted a similar model in the form of a “Support Canadian” campaign? Not to combat organized crime but to shield our economy from external pressures like tariffs and global trade instability. A Support Canadian campaign—built around an accreditation and labelling system—would empower consumers to make choices that benefit our economy while providing clarity on where their money is going.
Canada’s economy is deeply integrated with the United States and global markets, making it difficult for consumers to determine what is truly Canadian-made, Canadian-owned or Canadian-operated. Many businesses have complex supply chains, and foreign investments blur ownership lines. A transparent accreditation program and labelling system would help cut through this confusion, allowing consumers to make informed purchases that directly support Canadian jobs and industries.
This isn’t about nationalism or economic isolationism. Just as Addiopizzo helped Sicilian businesses reclaim economic independence, a Support Canadian campaign could be a tool for strengthening local industries. By providing a clear and credible way for consumers to identify and support businesses that contribute to Canada’s economy, we can build resilience against trade disruptions and global uncertainty.
The idea is straightforward: establish an official accreditation and labelling system for businesses, products and services across all industries. Whether it’s ketchup, car parts or PR firms, consumers would instantly know whether a business or product is supporting the Canadian economy through its ownership, operations or manufacturing. The accreditation could be structured around three key tiers or qualifiers:
Canadian-Made – Products manufactured in Canada, supporting local production and jobs.
Canadian-Owned – Businesses owned by Canadian individuals or entities, ensuring wealth stays within the country.
Canadian-Operated – Businesses that, while possibly foreign-owned, maintain significant operations and employment in Canada.
This structure ensures that the program remains inclusive while still giving consumers the knowledge they need to make intentional purchasing decisions.
These are VERY quick mock-ups, simply intended to bring the idea to life visually for this post.
An accreditation and labelling system is only part of the solution. A Support Canadian campaign must also focus on education. Consumers need to understand the significance of the certification and why it matters. Just as people recognize organic or fair-trade labels, a Support Canadian certification could become a trusted indicator of economic impact. The more consumers seek out these labels, the stronger Canadian industries will grow.
The benefits of this initiative go beyond reacting to tariffs. A campaign like this could foster a long-term culture of supporting Canadian businesses, creating resilience against future trade uncertainties and reinforcing economic stability. Imagine standing in a grocery aisle, choosing between two similar products. Price often dictates the decision, but what if another factor carried equal weight? A trusted label showing that one product is Canadian-made while the other is not? That kind of transparency would allow consumers to align their purchasing decisions with their values, directly contributing to economic stability with every purchase.
A Support Canadian campaign offers a simple, tangible way for all Canadians to help take control of our economic future. By choosing Canadian-made, -owned and -operated businesses, we’re not just making a purchase—we’re investing in Canada’s long-term prosperity.
If a grassroots movement in Sicily can shift consumer behaviour and drive economic change, why can’t we do the same? One label. One purchase. One step at a time.
[A Support Canadian campaign also has broad marketing applications and can be adapted to various sectors, reinforcing its relevance and reach. See some examples above: VERY quick mock-ups intended to bring the idea to life visually for this post.]
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