Canada News Roundup: Polls, Tariffs, Policy Debates, Travel Shifts, and Branding Risks
Sept 25, 2025
📊 Ipsos: “Buy Canadian” Support Remains Strong
An Ipsos poll released on Sept. 24 found that about six in ten Canadians have started buying more Canadian products or avoiding U.S. goods because of cross-border tensions. Even more telling, 82% of those who’ve shifted their habits plan to keep buying Canadian after the crisis ends. ...continue reading
🛃 Ottawa Lifts Most Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Goods
On Sept. 1st, Canada repealed its March 2025 surtaxes on most U.S. imports, removing 25% retaliatory tariffs on roughly C$30 billion worth of goods while maintaining duties on steel, aluminum and motor vehicles. ...continue reading
📅 Policy Rollout: Buy Canadian to Phase In Through 2026
A CBC report revealed that Carney’s Buy Canadian policy will begin rolling out in November but won’t be fully implemented until spring 2026; federal procurement ministers are still debating whether special legislation or new funding is needed. ...continue reading
💸 Commentary: Carney’s “Buy Canadian” Plan Could Be Costly
In a bit of a counterpoint article, columnist Terence Corcoran argued that Carney’s proposed “Buy Canadian” procurement policy may actually mimic U.S. protectionism and thus inflate costs for public works. While we don't agree on all fronts, we do think an obligatory 'Buy Canadian' strategy does come with risks, and that considering more critical perspectives can ensure the best implementation ...continue reading
✈️ Canadians Continue to Shun U.S. Travel
The Buffalo Toronto Public Media reported on Sept. 23 that Canadians continue avoiding the United States in droves - August automobile trips were down 34% and air travel down 25%. Clearly, tariffs, stricter immigration enforcement and rhetoric about a “51st state” continue to demotivate travel south of the border (go figure). ...continue reading
🍁 The Pitfalls of “Maple Washing”
In a Sept. 15 op-ed, Sylvain Charlebois warned that the Buy Canadian movement risks losing credibility if brands rely on symbols instead of substance. ...continue reading
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