Building a Resilient Canada:

Strengthening Our Economy, Workforce, and Well-Being

Let’s be honest—tariffs aka taxes! on Canadian goods are a problem. They drive up costs, put jobs at risk, and make it harder for businesses to compete. But instead of just accepting the hit, we can take action. We can choose to strengthen our economy from within, support each other, and find smart ways to keep more money in our pockets. This isn’t about waiting for someone else to fix things—it’s about what we can do, right now, to create opportunities and build a more resilient economy.

Buy Local, Build Local, Strengthen Our Economy

One of the best ways to fight back against tariffs is to double down on local businesses. When we buy Canadian-made products, we keep money in our communities, support jobs, and reduce our dependence on foreign goods. This means looking for “Made in Canada” labels, choosing local produce, and supporting small businesses over big-box imports.

Governments also have a role to play. They can offer incentives for businesses to manufacture goods here at home, making local production more affordable and keeping jobs in Canada. And when we invest in infrastructure—better roads, energy systems, and communication networks—we create jobs and set ourselves up for long-term success.

Keeping More Money in Your Pocket

Tariffs can make things more expensive, but there are ways we can be strategic with our spending to stretch our dollars further:

• Buy in Bulk & Join Co-ops – Warehouse stores and local cooperatives offer Canadian-made goods at lower prices.

• Invest in Energy Efficiency – Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances or using government rebate programs can cut energy bills and save money over time.

• Bank Smart – Choosing Canadian credit unions or banks that invest locally keeps money within our communities.

• Be Selective with Purchases – Every time we buy local groceries, clothes, or household goods, we’re keeping jobs in Canada and reducing reliance on expensive imports.

• Take Advantage of Tax Credits – Governments offer rebates on things like home improvements, electric vehicles, and childcare—knowing what’s available can add up to serious savings.

Creating More Jobs Through Innovation

Tariffs don’t just raise prices—they can push businesses to innovate. If companies invest in new technologies, alternative materials, and smarter production methods, they can lower costs and create new job opportunities. This is where research and development (R&D) funding, startup support, and business tax credits come in. The more we invest in innovation, the more competitive we become on a global scale.

Encouraging partnerships between businesses, universities, and research facilites can also drive cutting-edge developments in manufacturing, clean energy, and digital technologies—industries that will define the future job market.

A Green Economy is a Strong Economy

Building a strong economy and protecting the environment go hand in hand. Investing in sustainability not only reduces our reliance on imports but also creates long-term cost savings and job growth. Here’s how we can make that happen:

• Support Renewable Energy – Investing in wind, solar, and hydro projects reduces our dependence on imported fossil fuels and creates well-paying jobs.

• Choose Local, Sustainable Food – Buying from local farmers cuts down on transportation costs and supports homegrown businesses.

• Embrace a Circular Economy – Encouraging recycling, refurbishing, and reusing products helps businesses lower costs and reduce waste.

• Push for Green Manufacturing – Companies that adopt eco-friendly production methods stay ahead of global trends and create a competitive edge.

• Improve Public Transit – Expanding public transit and cycling infrastructure helps reduce commuting costs and lowers our carbon footprint.

Expanding Trade and Strengthening Alliances

If tariffs are making it harder to trade with certain countries, we need to open up new markets. Strengthening trade agreements with Europe, Asia, and Latin America can reduce our reliance on tariff-heavy relationships. We should also invest in programs that help small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) export their goods globally, creating new revenue streams and job opportunities.

Standing Together for Economic Strength

This isn’t just about policy—it’s about mindset. If we commit to supporting each other—choosing Canadian businesses, paying fair wages, and demanding government action to protect our industries—we can build a stronger economy from the ground up. Co-ops, worker-owned businesses, and community initiatives all play a role in creating a system that works for everyone.

Investing in People: Health and Wellness Matter

A strong economy isn’t just about jobs and businesses—it’s also about the well-being of our people. When we invest in health and wellness, we create a workforce that is more productive, engaged, and resilient. Here’s how we can prioritize people’s well-being while strengthening our economy:

• Affordable Healthcare Access – Ensuring that Canadians have access to quality healthcare, including mental health services, keeps our workforce strong and reduces long-term costs related to preventable illnesses.

• Work-Life Balance – Encouraging policies that support paid family leave, flexible work arrangements, and fair wages can boost productivity and improve overall well-being.

• Mental Health Support – Addressing workplace stress and burnout through employee wellness programs and accessible mental health resources benefits both individuals and businesses.

• Affordable Housing – When people have access to safe, affordable housing, they can contribute more effectively to the economy without the stress of financial instability.

• Healthy Communities – Investing in recreational spaces, public health initiatives, and active transportation options (like biking and walking infrastructure) contributes to a healthier population and reduces long-term healthcare costs.

Final Thoughts

Tariffs may be out of our control, but how we respond isn’t. By supporting local industries, making smart financial choices, investing in innovation, and embracing sustainability, we can take charge of our economy.

And when we prioritize the well-being of our people—through healthcare, fair wages, mental health support, and strong communities—we build a future that isn’t just economically strong but socially and emotionally resilient.

Canada is resilient. We’re smart, resourceful, and hardworking. And when we lift each other up, there’s nothing we can’t overcome.