Published on February 04, 2025

Dear Members,

Much has happened since our recent note on hate, misinformation, and foreign interference. Recent events have only reinforced the absolute necessity for all citizens to remain vigilant and take action during these challenging times. We are committed to staying informed about evolving situations and will continue to share any information that could prove helpful to our group and network.

Linda Serpone, MCW President

Canada, along with most of the democratic world, must deal with the consequences of threats imposed on our political and economic sovereignty by Donald Trump, the US President. Canadians from coast to coast can stand proud of our tenacious resistance to deal with threats with Trump’s tariff war on Canadian goods and services. Aside from Trump and his MAGA cronies, there is not a single world economist who sees the economic benefit of the kind of tariffs Trump demands. While we can be optimistic, with tariffs being placed on hold, we still have four years of what a Trump administration will inflict on Canada. No one can change the spots on a leopard in these four years. While we cannot fault Americans for the election of Donald Trump, he remains a problem for them to deal with on all levels. On the other hand, for Canadians, the intense discussion of a possible trade war is the impetus that offers opportunities for our growth. It’s a wake-up call.

There is no need to despair. Canadians can deal with the situation in several ways. One option is to join Pledge for Canada, an excellent, informed group of nonpartisan and diverse Canadians, including artists, academics, construction workers, bankers, doctors, single-parent families, and Indigenous people and refugees. Click here to sign up!

The single action everyone can take is to buy Canadian goods and services whenever possible. Your shopping habits will go a long way to support our entrepreneurial businesses, retail stores, and farmers. Avoid US firms and products. One example is drinking coffee at Second Cup (Canadian-owned), not Starbucks. It also means reading food labels. When it is not possible to have Canadian fruits and vegetables, another example is to purchase oranges from Mexico or Morocco rather than from Florida or California. You need to check all food labels and not buy American goods.

The laws about food labelling in Canada have generally been rigorous, though inspections have not necessarily taken care of all our ills (labels need to be bilingual; they need to be measured in metric weight; confusion still exists with the distinctions with words like organic, natural or biological, warnings about allergies). However, the labelling laws about the label “Made in Canada” are pretty good. The label “Made in Canada” means that 98% of the items must be made of ingredients that are also Canadian. Labels with words like “Grown in Canada” and “Produced in Canada” have a different nomenclature than the “Made in Canada” label. The label should also indicate the company's name and who has imported the product if it is grown or produced outside of Canada. Kraft produces Heinz Ketchup and uses Canadian tomatoes, but its label states that it is made in the US. Go figure. Speaking of Kraft and their cheese, purchase Saputo, Tre Stella, or Armstrong cheeses – Canadian‑owned.

One must be clear about what “Canada” means on a food label: produce, meat, fruit, or vegetables. Frozen fruits and vegetables are often a better “Canadian” option than canned varieties. The good news is that you have options. I have not listed all the challenges of reading food labels. However, our federal government’s Department of Health Canada has many issues regarding labelling.

Another worthwhile website is www.madeincanadafinder.ca, which can help you find alternatives. However, you should be specific about your search for alternative food options.

Lastly, you can also see the impressive long list of products that Canada will impose our own 25% tariff for products coming from the US. The list is not about “brand” names you will be able to recognize. The numbers to the left column are “importation” identification numbers, but not the brand names we are used to. Still, our federal government is prepared to impose whatever is necessary to deal with Trump’s tariffs and safeguard the rights of Canadians. This list is just a start; other tariffs that Canada will impose on the US are scheduled for a few months should these become necessary.

The issues confronted by Trump in Canada are not just about tariffs; They are a wake-up call for all of us and an opportunity. When buying Canadian, the MCW offers options for our networks, members, and their families. There are shared concerns the trade war narrative has taken us. The issue of foreign interference and Musk's contracts in Canada’s communication markets raises questions about whether his contracts are within the meaning of foreign interference. He has recently intruded into the elections in several countries (e.g., England and Germany). For Canada, he has already given support and a public preference for Canada’s next Prime Minister. Given Canada’s upcoming federal election, we need to stay alert. On a hopeful note, both federal and provincial levels of government want to remove trade barriers among themselves and harmonize trade.

Plan your next vacation in beautiful Canada! Enjoy a Canadian shopping adventure and stand on guard for thee!

Maria Peluso, Vice President of Government Affairs,
Provincial and Montreal Council of Women

◀ Back to News