Laura
In an era where international trade tensions and tariffs are reshaping consumer behaviour, Canadian shoppers are increasingly turning their attention homeward. Shopping local has always been a way to support communities, but now it’s time to expand that mindset to include all of Canada as “local”. By choosing Made in Canada products and services, Canadians can strengthen the national economy, create jobs, and ensure that their dollars stay within the country.
The concept of shopping local has traditionally conjured images of cute main street stores and bespoke neighbourhood shops. However, in our interconnected world, “local” has expanded to encompass a broader, national perspective. When Canadians choose to support products and services that are inside the borders of our country, they’re participating in a form of extended localism that strengthens our national economy, while maintaining the core benefits of local shopping.
The shift towards buying Canadian made isn’t just a reaction to external pressures, it’s a movement rooted in pride, quality, and sustainability. Canadians are waking up to the fact that their purchasing decisions have a direct impact on the country’s economic resilience. From the food we eat to the everyday products we use, every choice we make can contribute to a stronger more self-reliant Canada.
But this movement isn’t limited to physical products. In today’s digital-first world, your online presence is just as important as your brick-and-mortar store. For businesses, this means establishing a digital identity that reflects your commitment to Canada, and there’s no better way to do that than with a .CA domain. A .CA domain isn’t just a web address, it’s a statement. It tells your customers that you’re a Canadian business, proudly rooted in Canadian values.
Why Made in Canada Matters
Canadian news outlets have been reporting a surge in customers looking for and purchasing Made in Canada product. A 2023 Retail Trends report by PwC Canada found that 72% of Canadian consumers would pay a premium for locally produced or sourced products. This preference isn’t just about patriotism, it’s about quality, sustainability, and supporting local businesses.
The Economic Impact of Buying Canadian
When you buy Canadian-made products, you’re directly contributing to the national economy. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s Key Small Business Statistics 2023 reports that there were 1.22 million employer businesses in Canada and of these, 1.19 million (97.8%) were small businesses. According to 2024 statistics, small businesses employ over 10 million Canadians. With small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) making up the backbone of the Canadian market, by supporting them, you’re helping to create a thriving economy.
Environmental Benefits of Shopping Local
Buying Canadian-made products isn’t just good for the economy, it’s also good for the planet. Locally produced goods typically have a smaller carbon footprint because they don’t need to travel as far to reach consumers and small businesses often source from local manufacturers. Reducing reliance on imported goods can help lower greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices.
Quality and Safety Standards
Canadian-made products are subject to some of the strictest quality and safety standards in the world. Whether it’s food, clothing, or electronics, you can trust that Canadian products met high regulatory benchmarks.
Identifying whether an item is manufactured in Canada can be as simple as looking for a label that says “Made in Canada” or “Product of Canda”, but both labels are not created equally. According to madeinca.ca, a resource that lists Canadian businesses and products, here is the criteria products must meet and the difference between the two labels:
- Made in Canada
- The last substantial transformation of the goods occurred in Canada.
- At least 51% of the total direct costs of producing or manufacturing the goods have been incurred in Canada.
- The “Made in Canada” representation is accompanied by an appropriate qualifying statement such as “Made in Canada with imported parts” or “Made in Canada with domestic and imported parts”. This could also include more specific information such as “Made in Canada with 60% Canadian content and 40% imported content”.
- Product of Canada
- The last substantial transformation of the goods occurred in Canada.
- All or virtually all (at least 98%) of the total direct costs of producing or manufacturing the goods have been incurred in Canada.
How a .CA Domain Tells Canadians You’re Local
For Canadian businesses, an online presence is crucial. A .CA domain is more than just a web address; it’s a powerful symbol of your commitment to Canada and lets your customers know that you’re Canadian. It tells your audience that you’re a local business, rooted in Canadian values, and dedicated to serving Canadian customers.
Why a .CA Matters
Trust and Credibilty
Now more than ever, Canadians are showing pride for their country, and they are looking for businesses that reflect that pride back. A .CA domain instantly signals to customers that you’re a Canadian business. According to the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA), 85% of Canadians trust a .CA domain when supporting local businesses, making it a valuable asset for businesses to build trust and credibility. Furthermore, a .CA shows that your business supports the Canadian economy; you charge in Canadian dollars; you pay and collect Canadian taxes; and there’s no border or customs issues when your product is shipped out.
SEO Advantage
Search engines prioritize local domains in search results. If a Canadian is searching for a product or service, a .CA domain is more likely to appear at the top of their results. This is because search engines use domain extensions a a signal of geographic relevance. So, if someone in Vancouver searches for “organic skincare Canada,” a business with a .CA domain will rank higher than one with a .com or other generic domain. This local SEO advantage can significantly boost your visibility and drive more traffic to your website.
Brand Identity
In a global marketplace, where consumers are bombarded with choice, a .CA domain help you stand out. It tells your story and reinforces your identity as an authentically Canadian brand. The .CA extension has evolved from a niche identifier in 1987 to a cornerstone of Canada’s digital economy, offering businesses a unique way to showcase their Canadian identity.
Webnames.ca is Canada’s Original .CA Registrar
When it comes to establishing your Canadian business online, Webnames.ca is the trusted partner you can rely on. With a legacy of innovation and a commitment to Canadian values, we have been helping businesses succeed for 25 years.
Webnames’ founder, John Demco, is a pioneer in Canada’s online history. In 1987, he played a pivotal role in creating the .CA domain, laying the foundation for Canada’s digital identity. At a time when the internet was still in its infancy, John had the foresight to carve out a unique online space for Canadians. His vision wasn’t just about creating a domain extension, it was about giving Canadians a distinct identity online.
Looking back, it’s clear how impactful this decision was. The .CA domain has become a symbol of Canadian pride and a trusted marker of authenticity for businesses and individuals alike. It’s a testament to John’s insight that the .CA domain has grown to become such an integral part of Canada’s online ecosystem.
Being Canada’s original .CA registrar, we’ve been able to help many Canadian businesses establish their online presence. Over the years, Webnames has invested significant effort into creating the most powerful and user-friendly online systems, alongside assembling a team of top-tier customer and technical support professionals. As a 100% Canadian-owned and operated company, we stand by our motto and core value: Amaze every customer with exceptional service. This isn’t just a promise, it’s our guarantee to you.
100% Canadian Owned and Operated
Unlike some competitors who wear a maple leaf as a marketing disguise, Webnames.ca is proudly Canadian. All our customers’ data is securely housed on Canadian soil and protected by Canadian privacy laws. This means your information stays within our country, giving you peace of mind and ensuring compliance with local regulations.
How to Establish Your Canadian Brand Online
Ready to join the movement and showcase your commitment to Canada? Here’s how you can get started:
Your domain name is your digital address. Use our easy tool to check domain availability and secure your .CA domain today!
Setting up a user account with Webnames.ca is quick and easy. From there, you can manage your domains, explore hosting options, and so much more.
Once you’ve secured your .CA domain, it’s time to build your website. Whether you’re selling Canadian made products or offering services, you need a website. We offer a one-page website builder called LiteSite, WordPress Hosting and we’re a Wix partner. (Note: You can get a free .CA domain with the purchase of a Wix package!)
Promote your brand.
Leverage your .CA domain to highlight your commitment to Canada. Use phrases like “Made in Canada” and “Proudly Canadian” in your marketing materials to resonate with customers. Some products, like Wix for example, have marketing tools built right into them to help you get your business off the ground.
Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence
2025 marks a significant milestone for Webnames: 25 years of helping Canadian businesses establish and grow their online presence. This anniversary isn’t just a celebration of longevity, it’s a testament to the trust, innovation, and commitment that has defined us since our inception.
From the early days of the internet when having a website was a novelty, to today’s hyper-connected world, Webnames.ca has consistently adapted to meet the needs of Canadians. We have evolved to offer a wide range of services, including domain registration, web hosting, Wix website builder, domain security, email hosting and more! This adaptability has allowed us to remain a leader in this space, even as technology and consumer needs have changed.
For 25 years our commitment to excellence is reflected in our unwavering focus on customer satisfaction and security. We have always put our customers first, offering personalized support, continuously refining our processes to maximize efficiency, productivity and quality. Our goal is not just to meet expectation, but to exceed them, making a positive difference in the lives of all Canadians. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to empowering businesses and individuals with the tools and support they need to thrive in the ever-changing online space.
Looking to the Future
“Buying local” is no longer just about supporting your neighbourhood, it’s about supporting your country. By choosing Made in Canada or Product of Canada goods and services, you’re making a conscious decision to invest in the future of Canada.
The choice to support Canadian businesses extends beyond mere patriotism, it’s an investment in our collective economic future. As we celebrate Webnames’ 25th anniversary, we’re reminded of the pioneering spirit that has driven Canada’s digital development and the continuing importance of maintaining a strong, independent Canadian presence online. A .CA domain is the ultimate symbol of your commitment to Canada. With Webnames, you’re not just getting a domain, you’re joining a legacy of Canadian innovation and excellence.
So, what are you waiting for? Check domain availability, create your user account, and start building your Canadian brand today! Together we can make Canada stronger, one purchase and one .CA domain at a time.