Following weeks of ongoing trade tensions, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Monday afternoon that after a “good call” with U.S. President Donald Trump, officials would be postponing plans to impose tariffs on Canada for at least 30 days.
The pause came after Trudeau made a series of commitments to improve border security, including deploying more personnel, surveillance equipment, helicopters, and drones, as well as appointing a “fentanyl czar.”
Still, the threat of potential tariffs looms, which has prompted some local businesses to reassess how they will source and sell products, especially considering uncertainties around the cost and availability of goods coming in from the U.S.
At Long Branch Social House, located at 3595 Lake Shore Blvd. W. in South Etobicoke, co-owner Meagan Larman is urging customers to continue supporting local businesses.
Although Larman recognizes the importance of buying Canadian-made products, she also highlights the challenges that small businesses may encounter in the face of potential tariffs.
“With these new tariffs coming into play it is time to remember to support your local businesses. There is going to be a lot of talk around cancelling American products and selling only Canadian-made products, which we absolutely should do,” she told blogTO.
“The hard truth is a lot of us are already carrying some products or rely on products coming from the States. We do not have the resources to simply not sell items we already have in stock. We would be dead in the water.”
The restaurant owner continued to stress that small businesses do not have the same luxury as large corporations to make drastic changes to their product range.
“I am hoping we can shift the narrative a little,” Larman explained.
“The goal moving forward is to absolutely source Canadian-made products and to support our country entirely. That goes without saying. In the meantime do not pressure small businesses to strip their shelves and not sell the products they are already carrying. We need to sell these products to keep our staff employed and our doors open. Big corporations have the ability to do this and will market the sh*t out of themselves doing it.”
Larman also sees the situation as a unique opportunity to rally the community. “Look at this community group alone, 47,000 members strong,” she posted in a local Facebook group.
“If five per cent of these members (2,350 people) picked a weekend to come out and spend $20 at a local business of their choosing, you would be pouring $47,000 back into your local businesses. Imagine if you as a whole picked one business every weekend to go and support. Turn it into a community project.”
Larman continued to emphasize that she’s not asking community residents to completely uproot their lives and entirely change how they shop.
“We’re asking that you make it to that place you’ve been meaning to visit. Find out what your local smaller stores carry and see if you can switch some of where you get your products from. We have tons of great options along the Lake Shore alone,” she explained.
“Please pick small local businesses before dining at large corporate restaurants or shop local before hitting the big box stores!”
On the other side of town, the founder and CEO of Lazy Daisy’s Cafe, Dawn Champman, has always made it a priority to support the local economy. Located at 1515 Gerrard St. E. in Little India, the restaurant is known for its all-day breakfast and and farm-fresh ingredients.
“I have always been passionate about supporting our local economy and community,” Chapman told blogTO. “Since 2011, local, all-natural, and homemade have been the pillars of the restaurant.”
As a result, most of Lazy Daisy’s ingredients are sourced from nearby farmers and suppliers, though items like melons, citrus fruits, and peppers still come from the U.S. thanks to Canada’s colder climate.
However, as tariffs remain a possibility, the restaurant is looking for ways to reduce its reliance on imported U.S. goods.
“Together, our management team and I will look at our menu and pull items coming in from the States to replace with more local options,” Chapman explained. “For example, we usually serve melon on the side of our breakfast sammies, but will now get creative in the kitchen for an economical and delicious Canadian ingredient.”
Along with this, Chapman is in discussions with her packaging suppliers to ensure that the cafe’s packaging is not only eco-conscious but also Canadian-made.
“I hope that this moment shows Canadians that we have the opportunity to be more self-sufficient,” she said. “Investing in Canadian manufacturing, Canadian agriculture, and Canadian SME businesses is essential for the economic health and well-being of our nation.”
