Amid the ongoing trade war and rising tensions between Canada and the U.S., another company in our region is ensuring its products are all Canadian. Lakeland Holding Ltd., a municipally-owned corporate utility and communications company in Muskoka, says Lakeland Power sourced all its purchases from Canadian suppliers, with most from Ontario. The company’s other subsidiaries had nearly to 100 per cent of its suppliers Canadian. “People want to know where their dollars are going, and we’re proud to say that almost all of our spending stays in Canada,” said Chris Litschko, CEO of Lakeland Holding Ltd. “Every dollar spent with a Canadian supplier helps support jobs, businesses, and economic growth in our communities and across the country.” The company, which serves Muskoka, Parry Sound and surrounding communities, says when it spends outside of the country, it’s for specialized software, cybersecurity tools and technology platforms, where Canadian alternatives are no available. “Whenever a Canadian option exists, we actively look for it,” said Litschko. “Our goal is to support Canadian businesses wherever possible while ensuring our customers continue to receive safe, reliable, and secure services.” Lakeland provides communications, including fibre internet, television and phone services in Muskoka and Parry Sound. It also offers hydro distribution utility, hydroelectric power generation and energy innovation. This isn’t the first time a company in our region has done reviews on its products to ensure they are Canadian or made changes to acquire as many Canadian supplies as possible. Chapman’s Ice Cream, with headquarters in Markdale, announced in late August it would be working to ensure as little American ingredients would go into its products as possible. By mid-2027, the ice cream company said more than 70 per cent of the American ingredients will be replaced.
