Canada is full of innovative businesses, talented creators, and homegrown brands that deserve our support. But every year, billions of Canadian dollars flow south of the border, benefiting big US corporations instead of strengthening our own economy.
So, how can you keep your dollars where they belongβright here in the Great White North? Here are five easy ways to support Canadian businesses, invest in local talent, and make sure your hard-earned money stays at home.
1. Choose .CA Domains & Canadian Web Hosting
If youβre building a website or launching a business, your digital footprint should be just as Canadian as you are. A .CA domain instantly tells your customers youβre proudly Canadian, and choosing a Canadian-owned web hosting provider ensures your siteβs data stays secure and local.
Many US-based web hosting giants (π GoDaddy, Bluehost, Wix) funnel money out of Canada, while homegrown providers like Rebel.com keep your business rooted in Canadian support, infrastructure, and expertise.
β Do this: Register a .CA domain and host your site with a Canadian company. Itβs better for your brand, your SEO, and the local economy.
2. Buy Canadian-Made Goods (IRL and Online)
We all love a good online shopping spree, but Amazon, Walmart, and other big US retailers dominate e-commerce, often at the expense of small, independent Canadian businesses. Instead of defaulting to American megastores, explore platforms like:
ποΈ Well.ca β A Canadian alternative to Amazon for health & wellness products
ποΈ Simons β A proudly Canadian department store with fashion & home goods
ποΈ Buy Canadian First β A marketplace for Canadian-made products
Supporting local makers, independent businesses, and Canadian e-commerce platforms keeps jobs, innovation, and investment in Canadaβwhere it belongs.
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Do this: Next time you shop, check if a Canadian-owned alternative exists before hitting βAdd to Cartβ on an American site.
3. Support Canadian Restaurants, Not US Chains
Itβs easy to default to big-name fast-food brands (hello, Starbucks and McDonaldβs), but choosing locally owned cafΓ©s, bakeries, and restaurants makes a huge impact.
Many beloved Canadian spotsβlike Tim Hortons, Harveyβs, and The Kegβkeep dollars in our communities. Even better? Independent restaurants and cafΓ©s that serve up local ingredients and homegrown talent.
β Do this: Swap a Starbucks latte for one at your local coffee shop. Your taste buds (and the Canadian economy) will thank you.
4. Stream, Subscribe & Follow Canadian Creators
Streaming, subscribing, and engaging online has real economic power. Instead of only following US-based influencers and media giants like Netflix or Disney+, try these Canadian alternatives:
πΊ Watch Canadian-Made Shows β Check out CraveTV instead of always defaulting to Netflix
π° Subscribe to Local News β Canadian journalism matters; support The Globe & Mail, The Toronto Star, or The Walrus
Even small actionsβlike watching a Canadian YouTuber instead of an American oneβhelp keep ad revenue, sponsorship deals, and cultural influence in Canada.
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Do this: Follow and engage with Canadian creators, businesses, and media to keep our stories alive.
The Bottom Line: Keep It Canadian π¨π¦
Every time you register a domain, shop online, choose a restaurant, stream content, or manage your money, you have the power to support Canadian businesses instead of sending cash to the US.
Weβre all about making conscious choices to uplift Canadian businesses, workers, and entrepreneursβbecause when we invest in our own, we all win.
Ready to take action?
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Register a .CA domain and use Canadian web hosting
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Shop from Canadian e-commerce platforms instead of Amazon
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Choose local restaurants & coffee shops over US chains
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Follow & stream Canadian creators
π¬ What are your favorite Canadian brands to support? Drop them in the comments below! π
#KeepitCanadian #BuyLocal #ProudlyCanadian