Buy Canadian, Invest Local: A Canada First Approach to Economic Growth and National Strength

Canada Is at a Crossroads

Our global marketplace is in a constant state of fluctuation. As a result, today Canada is facing some tough economic challenges: capital flight, declining productivity, and an increasing national debt. As economic headwinds continue to strengthen, we run the risk of dynamics getting worse for Canada.  One of the most effective ways to reverse course? Now is the time for a Canada First approach, prioritizing Canadian-made products, buying Canadian services, supporting Canadian businesses and hiring Canadian talent.

With global markets shifting and U.S. tariff policies tightening, we need to double down on domestic investment. When we do what we can to keep money in Canada, we strengthen key industries, generate more local business and create jobs to build long-term economic resilience.

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Prioritizing Canadian Businesses & Public Sector Investments can make a real impact:

1. Driving Local Economic Growth & Job Creation
2. Boosting Economic Prosperity & Efficiency Through Technology
3. Balancing Corporate Responsibility in Private Sector Investment
4. Maximizing Public Sector Investment to Drive Economic Growth

By making Canada First a priority across consumers, businesses, and government, we can have the powerful approach to tackle economic headwinds as we set the country up for lasting success.

1. Driving Local Economic Growth & Job Creation: The Power of Local Investment

When we spend money on Canadian brands and with Canadian companies, those dollars stay here, strengthening our economy.

Here’s what that looks like in action:

• Every $100 spent at a Canadian-owned business contributes $68 to the local economy, compared to just $43 when spent at a multinational retailer, keeping more money in Canadian communities.
• Canadian Tire’s $3.4 billion investment in supply chain modernization will create local jobs and increase the efficiency of domestic retail operations.
• Loblaws’ $2 billion investment in store modernization and local supplier partnerships will create thousands of jobs, boost demand for Canadian agriculture, and generate reinvestment back into communities.

How the Money Flows When We Buy Canadian

1. Local businesses generate more revenue giving the ability to hire more workers.
2. More local jobs results in higher consumer spending on goods, housing, and services in local Canadian communities.
3. Increased economic activity leads to higher tax revenue, which supports growth of healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
4. Stronger public services create a cycle of reinvestment, making Canada more prosperous.

To maximize this impact, we need national policies that support Canadian entrepreneurs, infrastructure, and workforce training.

2. Boosting Economic Prosperity & Efficiency Through Technology: The Key to Growth is Technology

When we invest locally in technology, the innovations local businesses create leads to acceleration of our economic activity.

Canada’s productivity is significantly lagging behind peer nations, largely due to slower adoption of automation, AI, and digital transformation over the last decade. Today Canada ranks 6th (out of 7) across the G7 for business investment in digital transformation as a direct result of this slow adoption. Investing in homegrown technology will not only enable businesses to better utilize innovations to become more competitive, these improvements will also raise living standards for Canadians.

The Tech Effect: A marketplace view on how it strengthens the economy

Think about how easy it is to deposit a cheque with a banking app or order something online for pickup. These conveniences exist because companies innovate. And when businesses get more efficient, they can grow and reinvest. For example:

• 77% of Canadians now bank online, reducing the need for costly paper transactions. These cost savings enable our leading Canadian banks to invest those savings into better services and services for us.
• Self-checkouts, digital payroll, and AI-driven logistics help companies serve more customers with fewer resources. Those savings can be invested in innovations and jobs that enable our local businesses to expand in other areas.

Canadian businesses need to see technology as an investment, not just a cost-cutting tool. A strong push toward digital transformation, without waiting for government intervention, will build consumer trust, strengthen CA brand loyalty, and enhance Canada’s position in the global economy.

3. Balancing Corporate Responsibility in Private Sector Investment: Companies Must Prioritize Canada First

Companies need to be profitable, but that doesn’t mean they should offshore operations at the first sign of cost savings. Oftentimes driving operational efficiency domestically can be even more effective in creating cost savings and local reinvestment opportunities. A balanced approach ensures businesses stay competitive while supporting economic growth in Canada. 

Why A Balanced Approach Matters:

• Some business inputs (e.g., rare minerals, specialized machinery) must be sourced globally. But with advancements in so many industries, there are many opportunities to look locally first for these resources to determine if there is an opportunity to source within our own borders. Long-term, sourcing locally can create sustainable cost efficiencies.    
• Companies should challenge themselves to prioritize Canadian investments wherever possible. By leveraging Canadian-made technology and the automation opportunities those technologies create, businesses can lower costs without the need to send money outside the country by offshoring entire operations.

Call to Action:

• The government should incentivize domestic investment through tax credits, R&D grants, and procurement policies that favor Canadian suppliers.
• Even without government intervention, companies should recognize the long-term benefits of investing locally, like economic stability, stronger customer loyalty, and differentiation through quality and innovation. Investigate local sourcing before you act to offshore.

4. Maximizing Public Sector Investment to Drive Economic Growth: Our Government’s Role in Strengthening the Economy

The Canadian government spends $200 billion annually at all levels: federal, provincial, and municipal. While a lot of this spending is focused on domestic investments, there is a fair amount that goes outside Canada. This massive purchasing power can be a game-changer for the economy if directed strategically toward Canadian businesses.

How Public Spending Fuels Growth:

• When governments prioritize Canadian suppliers for major contracts, the economic impact extends across industries, from construction to technology and manufacturing.
• Public sector investment in infrastructure, healthcare, and digital transformation creates thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
• More government spending on domestic technology and R&D fosters innovation and ensures Canada remains competitive on a global scale.

Government Policy Can Make a Difference:

• Implement procurement policies that give preference to Canadian-owned businesses. 
• Increase funding for Canadian startups and SMEs to drive innovation. 
• Focus on infrastructure projects that create long-term economic benefits and support local industries.

By making smarter public investment decisions, we can ensure that the $200 billion the government spends annually directly contributes to Canadian job growth, business development, and long-term economic prosperity.

Now is the time for Government Leaders, Business Leaders and Consumers to put Canada First

A Canada First strategy isn’t about isolation, it’s about strengthening our economy, workforce, and communities to become strategy and more competitive in the global market. The benefits are clear: 

• Boosting local investment increases GDP and job creation.
• Prioritizing digital transformation enhances efficiency and our standard of living.
• A balanced corporate approach ensures strong economic growth along with long-term sustainability.
• Public sector spending directed locally can be a major driver of Canada’s economic growth.

What Needs to Happen:

• Government: Enforce procurement policies that prioritize Canadian businesses.
• Private sector: Balance cost efficiency with national economic responsibility by reinvesting in Canadian brands, talent and technology.
• Everyone: Think Canada First. Use innovation to drive efficiency while keeping investments within our economy.

By bringing together policymakers, business leaders and consumers with a united Canada First strategy, we can strengthen Canada’s economy today while building a more prosperous future for generations to come. It’s time to put Canada First.