Search numbers show Atlantic Canadians have gotten more interested in buying Canadian

Shoppers in Atlantic Canada are showing an increased interest in buying Canadian, according to their Google searches.  

Google trend data is one way of tracking how the buy Canadian movement is affecting consumer behaviour. 

"It's a pretty important measure because what that's saying to us is that consumers are interested and they're educating themselves," said Melise Panetta, lecturer of marketing at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ont.

The movement to buy Canadian goods has gained traction across the country, but it's especially pronounced in the Atlantic region, she said. 

"I'm truly not surprised to see Atlantic Canada leading the pack a little bit as it relates to involvement in domestic and local sourcing," Panetta said. 

"[Maritimers] are excellent at demonstrating community solidarity and local business support when they feel threatened as it relates to their local economy," she said, adding that community has always been a focal point in Atlantic Canada. 

While the Google trend data indicates that more people are interested in buying Canadian, Panetta said there are some barriers to turning the trend into a habit. 

For one thing, Canadian products tend to cost more, Panetta said. 

That means that people might be able to buy Canadian in the short term, but in the medium to long term, it could become more difficult, she said.  

There's also a lack of understanding about what it means to buy Canadian, Panetta said, citing confusion about the difference between a 'Made in Canada' label versus a 'Product of Canada' item. 

But saying there has been a lot of rapid movement on improving Canadians' understanding, Panetta said she expects to see the confusion reduce substantially over the next months. 

Why it matters 

For Frédéric Gionet, there is a lot to value in Atlantic Canada — from the quality of products and businesses to work ethic and lifestyle. 

"We don't have a lot of producers around here, but those we do have, we have to support," said Gionet, the director of legislative affairs for the Atlantic region with the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses. 

He said buying Canadian — and more specifically, buying local — has big advantages. 

Gionet said about 66 cents of every dollar spent at a local store will be staying in the local economy, "versus 11 cents if you buy at department stores or 9 cents of every dollar if you buy online."

He too said he's not surprised that Atlantic Canadians are leading the way in their support for local industries and products. 

"I think Atlantic Canadians are some of the most patriotic citizens of the country. We're the first ones to raise the flag, and we're quite proud of it."