It is time for Canada to put itself first. We have a wealth of talent, resources, and industries that deserve to be at the forefront of our economy. One way we can achieve this is by making Canadian-made products more attractive to consumers. A simple and effective solution would be to stop charging GST on Canadian-made goods. This change would have an immediate and lasting impact on our economy, encouraging people to buy locally produced items while simultaneously strengthening Canadian businesses.
Take housing, for example. Removing GST on homes built in Canada would dramatically affect affordability. Housing is one of the most significant challenges Canadians face today, with prices out of reach for many. By eliminating GST on newly constructed homes, we could reduce costs for homebuyers and inject life into the housing market. This would also create jobs in construction, trades, and manufacturing, sectors that employ thousands of Canadians. A more affordable housing market could ease the pressure on government assistance programs and allow more Canadians to achieve homeownership.
The same logic applies to food. Canada produces some of the best agricultural products in the world, from grains and vegetables to dairy and meat. Yet, GST is still applied to many Canadian-grown items. Eliminating GST on domestically grown food would help Canadian farmers, lower prices for consumers, and encourage people to choose Canadian products over imported goods. At a time when the cost of living is rising, this would be a welcome relief for families across the country. Plus, it would keep more of our money circulating within the Canadian economy rather than flowing out to foreign producers.
But it is not just about consumers. Government agencies should also prioritize buying Canadian-made products. It only makes sense that Canadian taxpayers’ dollars should support Canadian businesses. When our government spends billions on goods and services each year, why not ensure that as much of that money as possible stays within our borders? Demand that government agencies source Canadian products whenever possible. Whether it's office supplies, construction materials, or technology, there is no reason why we shouldn’t be supporting our own industries.
Another way to strengthen our economy while promoting Canadian products is by rethinking the carbon tax. Many Canadians are feeling the squeeze of this tax, which adds to the cost of everyday essentials like fuel and home heating. Instead of burdening Canadians with this additional expense, we should shift the carbon tax to products coming from countries that are the worst environmental offenders. This way, we hold foreign manufacturers accountable for their environmental impact while giving Canadian businesses a competitive edge. Canadian companies are already paying their fair share of taxes, and many are working hard to reduce their carbon footprints. Why should they bear the brunt of policies aimed at reducing global emissions when much of the problem lies elsewhere?
As a city councillor, I once suggested that the city only award jobs to Manitoba-owned and operated companies. It seemed like a common-sense idea to me. After all, who better to build and maintain our infrastructure than local businesses that understand the needs of our community? Unfortunately, the idea was shot down. But the principle behind it remains valid. There is nothing wrong with promoting Canadian-made products or hiring local businesses. We cannot force people to buy Canadian products, but we can certainly make it more attractive by removing the tax burden on those products. The people who manufacture Canadian goods already pay taxes. The companies that produce them pay taxes. The consumers who buy them pay taxes, and the businesses that sell them pay taxes. It seems unfair to add even more taxes to the equation.
We should be proud of what is made in Canada. Whether it’s a car, a loaf of bread, or a home, Canadian-made goods are of high quality, and we should build an environment that fosters growth and success for Canadian businesses. Promoting Canadian-made products isn’t about creating handouts or grants. It’s about providing incentives for Canadians to support our industries. At the Winnipeg Sun, we make an effort to buy from local suppliers because we believe in supporting our community. It’s a simple philosophy: if we buy from local businesses, they are more likely to support us in return. That kind of reciprocal relationship strengthens the entire economy.
The same can be true on a national scale. By eliminating the GST on Canadian-made products, we give Canadians a reason to choose local goods over imports. This creates a virtuous cycle of growth, where Canadian businesses thrive, create jobs, and reinvest in the economy. At the same time, consumers benefit from lower prices and more opportunities to buy high-quality products that they know are made by fellow Canadians.
It’s time to put Canada first. By making thoughtful changes to our tax system and government procurement policies, we can make a real difference. Promoting Canadian-made products will not only make our economy stronger, but it will also create a sense of pride in what we produce right here at home. We have the resources, the talent, and the drive to succeed. Now we need the policies that reflect that potential. Let’s build an economy that supports Canadian businesses, rewards hard work, and keeps more of our money in Canada.
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