Manitoba shoppers turning to local stores as U.S. tariff threat looms

Jeff Keele reports on calls to shop local amid looming tariff threats from President Donald.

Ferance Barrette is a homegrown shopper. She keeps an eye on labels of origin when visiting stores. She wants to buy as many local items as possible, while boycotting one country in particular.

“I try to avoid the United States right now, I really do,” said Barrette.

That’s because of the 25 per cent tariff threat coming from U.S. President Donald Trump. So Barrette is doubling down on supporting Manitoba businesses.

“It’s very important that we buy local, this way we’re going to get our own people making money,” said Barrette.

CTV News spoke with other shoppers at The Forks who said they are trying to support Manitoba businesses more and are urging others to shop local.

Could the potential trade dispute with the U.S. lead to Manitobans buying more of their essentials north of the border? Forks Trading Company Owner Brad Hewlett said there is that potential.

“I think that’s very possible, we’ve also over the last few years seen more and more food production done in Manitoba,” he said.

Hewlett said the demand for local products has grown exponentially over the years, including in his shops.

“We now have about 150 local makers,” he said.

Brianna Solberg with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business said creating a larger market for homegrown products is essential. She said customers can do their part.

“It’s really important right now for consumers to recognize that if we don’t continue to support these businesses in our community then ultimately some will be forced to close their doors,” she said.

Solberg said shopping local isn’t enough, more flexibility within Canada is needed, urging premiers to cut interprovincial trade barriers.

“Goods should be able to flow between provinces,” said Solberg. “Beer that’s good enough to drink in one province should be good enough to drink in another.”

Barrette said Canadians have to look out for themselves.

“We need to deal with our own country and that’s the way we’re going to need to survive,” said Barrette.