We would really rather not talk about the madness and upheaval emanating from the dissolving democracy to the south of us.
We would much rather focus on what’s happening close to home, or perhaps within our provincial riding, as illuminated by our new MLA Rob Botterell in this week’s paper, or the broader Islands Trust area, of which we are an integral part.
But saying and doing nothing in response to threats of annexation and economic punishment is not really an option for our community or any other in Canada.
Canada’s elected political leaders are to be applauded for working to break down interprovincial trade barriers that have been criticized for so long. They and other groups are also seeking other ways to mitigate the impacts of not only tariffs but the general instability that has erupted in the U.S. since Jan. 20.
Canadian individuals, business, labour and not-for-profit groups have commenced action as well, with “buy Canadian” promotions enthusiastically launched. A cheat-sheet-sized list of food products with Canadian companies to patronize and American counterparts to avoid has been widely circulated, for instance, and the madeinca.ca website is a more fulsome resource to explore. Locally, both Salt Spring Thrifty Foods and Country Grocer stores have implemented labelling of Canadian products, which is much appreciated by customers. It’s also heartening to see how much Canadian-grown produce can be bought in February.
Buying local and second-hand is another way to express displeasure with American tactics while benefiting business owners, nonprofit organizations and producers across many industries, keeping money circulating locally.
Will such actions make a tangible difference to Canada’s prospects or create a message that might be heard across the border? If enough people participate nationwide, perhaps.
Focusing on economic impacts leaves much mayhem and cruelty unaddressed. But making different choices about whose goods and services we purchase is the easiest and most immediate way to make a statement at a time when silence and apathy is not a reasonable option.