Reading glasses have been more de rigueur than usual among island shoppers, as we peer into the fine-print origins of every purchase not wearing a prominent maple leaf.
And as comfortable as the rest of the nation has been transitioning into a Buy Canadian mindset, it may have been even easier for islanders, long accustomed to the reality that “buying local” is the best way to mitigate the risk of a critical business not being there when it’s needed most.
Local governments are shifting their buying habits as well, as their constituencies demand it; from Salt Spring’s fire district trustees to the Capital Regional District board, island representatives are looking at what procurement choices can be made to amplify the national effort. And as we were going to press on Monday, B.C. Premier David Eby was announcing the excommunication of all things U.S. from government-run liquor stores — concluding his statement with what has become a nationwide rallying cry of “Elbows up!”
From fire trucks to beer, an overwhelming majority of these items will have a good “made in Canada” alternative (or, to paraphrase one staff member’s quip, “made anywhere but the U.S.”). Indeed, at the very local level, we are repeatedly delighted to discover the variety and quality of offerings available from our own islands.
Again, as islanders know well, making buying decisions with values beyond the bottom line can be complex, time-consuming and more costly. While we should demand that discretion at a government level, it can be financially unreachable for individuals; we hope those with the privilege to do so exercise it as often as possible while withholding judgment on those who cannot.
A protracted trade dispute across our southern border was as far beyond our imagination this time last year as paving on Ganges Hill actually happening was. But here we are, in both cases, and for now a bumpy ride is all but guaranteed.
Things will, we hope, improve eventually. In the meantime, we say slowing down, watching for potholes (proverbial and otherwise) and exercising patience with one another will be the keys to navigating it all –– including with those trying to point a way through.