Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about how The CANADA List works, how we score products, how to participate, and more. Click a question below to expand the answer.
About the Site & Mission
What is The CANADA List?
The CANADA List is an independent resource that helps Canadians estimate how much brands and products give back to the Canadian economy — by considering ownership, manufacturing, sourcing, and job creation. We go beyond “Made in Canada” labels, using our CANADA Score to provide transparency and detail.
Who runs The CANADA List?
The project is a self-funded, independent initiative built by Matthew Shane, Professor of Psychology at Ontario Tech University, and a concerned Canadian.
Is The CANADA List affiliated with any companies or government agencies?
No. The CANADA List is not affiliated with any companies, industry groups, or government agencies. It is a fully independent, grassroots initiative
How do you make money or keep the site running?
The site is currently self-funded and kept running through user donations and community support. In the future, the site may develop other monetization strategies, through advertising, affiliate programs or other mechanisms. See Support the Site if you’d like to help.
Can I partner with The CANADA List as an influencer or ambassador?
We’re open to collaborations that align with our mission. Email media@thecanadalist.ca to start the conversation.
Can I contribute to your research or volunteer?
Contact us at contact@thecanadalist.ca and let us know how you’d like to help.
Will you add a French-language version for Quebec and francophone Canadians?
Yes, a French version is in development.
Where can I follow The CANADA List on social media?
Follow us for updates and Canadian content on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X. (Links coming soon!)
Scoring, Product Listing & Criteria
How is the CANADA Score calculated?
Scores are based on characteristics of ownership, manufacturing, sourcing, and job impact. Details are on our Scoring page.
Why isn’t a “Made in Canada” label enough?
Canadian law allows “Made in Canada” labels even if most value comes from imported parts or ingredients. We dig deeper—see our blog post for more.
What’s the difference between ‘Product of Canada’ and ‘Made in Canada’?
“Product of Canada” means almost all costs/ingredients are Canadian; “Made in Canada” is more lenient. See our blog for a breakdown.
Do all Canadian brands score higher than foreign brands?
Yes, Canadian-owned brands generally score higher than foreign-owned brands, because ownership offers not only economic benefits (since profits remain in the country), but also benefits of governance/sovereignty. That said, ownership, manufacturing, and sourcing also matter. So Canadian brands that offshore manufacturing/sourcing abroad receive lower scores as a result.
Can any foreign-owned brands score highly?
Yes - foreign-owned brands that support Canadian jobs, manufacture in Canada, or source Canadian ingredients offer benefits to the Canadian economy that deserve recognition. That said, their profits ultimately leave the country; thus the maximum score a foreign company can receive is a 7 out of 10.
Why do some products have a flag icon?
The flag highlights products that are both Canadian-owned and Canadian-made.
How do you handle brands that operate in both Canada and the US?
We are particularly concerned about where the parent company resides, because this is where profits generally flow. After identifying the parent, we focus on the manufacturing and sourcing characteristics of the specific products sold on Canadian shelves.
How do you handle companies that move production in or out of Canada?
We will update scores and listings as soon as we learn about production shifts or closures.
Do you verify the ethical, labor or environmental practices of listed brands/products?
While these are important considerations, they are beyond The CANADA List's mission. We focus specifically on economic impact for Canada.
Are there plans to include more categories (e.g., services, electronics, health)?
Yes, we plan to expand based on user demand. Suggest new categories anytime!
Accuracy, Updates & Transparency
How do I know if your information is accurate?
We use public databases, company sites, regulatory filings, and user tips, but things can change—help us by reporting any errors.
Who reviews user submissions for accuracy?
All submissions are reviewed by a human for accuracy before being published.
Is the CANADA Score always up to date?
We update as often as possible, but ownership and manufacturing can change quickly. We rely on users to help us stay current.
How often is the site updated?
Listings and scores are updated regularly as new data and user submissions arrive.
How do you verify product information?
Through a mix of company websites, regulatory filings, news reports, user tips, and, when possible, direct contact with brands.
How do you handle discontinued products?
We try to remove discontinued items promptly—please notify us if you spot one.
Can brands appeal their score or provide more info?
Yes - our brands can submit documentation or corrections to contact@thecanadalist.ca.
Do you get paid to list products or assign scores?
No. We do not accept payments for listings or scores. All research is independently-conducted.
Are you using AI to rate products?
Some analysis is AI-assisted, but every listing on the site is ultimately reviewed by a human.
How do you handle corrections or user feedback?
We encourage user feedback—submit corrections via Contact or email. Verified corrections are updated quickly.
How can I get a correction or update published quickly?
Email mistakes@thecanadalist.com or use our Contact form. We prioritize credible corrections.
What happens after I submit a correction or new product?
Our team reviews your submission, verifies key details, and publishes the update if approved. You’ll receive confirmation if you leave your contact info.
User Interaction & Submissions
How can I submit a new product or correct an error?
Use our Submit a Product form, or report corrections via Contact. We appreciate your input!
I found something that looks wrong. How do I report it?
Email mistakes@thecanadalist.com or use the Contact form. We’ll investigate ASAP.
Can I request a review or feature for a specific brand?
Yes! Contact us with your request, and we’ll do our best to prioritize it.
Why isn’t my favourite brand listed?
We’re always expanding. Suggest new brands via Submit a Product to help us grow.
Can small/local businesses apply to be featured?
Yes! Submit your business with as much detail as possible via Submit a Product.
How do I suggest a feature or a new category?
Let us know your ideas through our Contact form.
Can I use your logo or CANADA Score badges on my business website?
Contact us for permission before using our logo or scores in marketing. We support honest promotion but want to ensure accuracy and appropriate use.
Using the Site & Features
Can I filter by specific provinces or cities?
Currently, filters are at the country level. We may add more detailed regional filters in the future.
How can I tell where a product is actually made?
Check the “Manufacturing” and “Notes” columns for each listing, or look for “Made in Canada” or “Product of Canada” wording on the packaging. Our listings aim to clarify what the label means.
How can I save or share my favourite Canadian products?
You can bookmark your favourite product pages in your browser or share direct links with others. Personal “favourites” functionality is planned for the future.
Is there a mobile app for The CANADA List?
Not yet. The site is fully mobile-friendly in your browser, and we may develop a dedicated app in the future if there’s enough demand.
Can I print or export product lists?
Currently, there’s no built-in export feature, but you can print any page using your browser’s print function. We may add CSV or PDF export in the future.
Do you have a newsletter? What does it include?
Yes! Our newsletter features new product discoveries, changes in scores, exclusive deep-dive articles, and site feature updates. Subscribe using the bar at the top of the site.
How can I support Canadian businesses outside of shopping?
Spread the word! Share info from our site, leave reviews for Canadian brands, and recommend them to friends and family. Visibility matters as much as your purchase.
Why don’t you list prices or where to buy each product?
Our focus is on Canadian impact, not price comparison. We may link to official brand websites but do not aggregate retailer prices at this time.
Do you cover products available only online?
Yes, as long as the product is available to Canadians. Indicate if a product is online-only when you submit it.
How can I follow updates or changes to The CANADA List?
Follow us on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, or check the site for new blog posts and updates to product listings.
Contact & Community
How do I contact you for media or partnership inquiries?
See our Contact page for media, partnership, and general contact information.
How can I get in touch for general support?
Email info@thecanadalist.com or use our Contact form for any general questions or help.
How can I report errors, suggest corrections, or send feedback?
We welcome your feedback! Report errors or suggestions via Contact or by emailing mistakes@thecanadalist.com.