Canadian-Made Alternative Products

Written by:

Meara Spiers | Interior Designer
 
Through the uncertainty of the recent political climate, an unexpected positive shift has emerged in the mindsets of Canadian consumers. More than ever, people are aware of the impact of their purchasing power and are choosing to support Canadian companies. Demand for Canadian-made products has grown significantly ranging from everyday groceries to large-scale building materials and finishes. Beyond concerns over tariffs and costs, a renewed sense of Canadian pride and loyalty is driving this movement toward locally made products.

At Kasian, we have explored how best to provide educational tools that encourage the selection of Canadian-made products, or at the very least, Canadian-owned companies. Representatives from each Kasian office collaborated to create a nationwide digital library: a searchable tool that allows users to filter companies and products by attributes such as Canadian ownership, Canadian manufacturing, sustainability, and Indigenous design. This resource spans everything from furniture to finishes to architectural building materials. Designed as a living database, it can be continually updated by all employees, ensuring it grows into an ever-expanding vault of knowledge. Each office also contributes regional insights, acknowledging that local suppliers in Vancouver differ from those in Toronto, and ensuring the database reflects these unique markets.

In addition to digital tools, Kasian offices have implemented methods to highlight Canadian products within their physical material libraries. Maple leaf stickers are used to draw attention to Canadian products or companies on library shelves, making it quicker and easier for designers to identify and specify local options. Product knowledge sessions now consistently include questions about manufacturing locations, promoting transparency and accountability among suppliers. As a result, Canadian companies are increasingly being chosen over American counterparts, often at a remarkable pace.

Each new Canadian company discovered brings a sense of excitement, pride, and possibility for the industry. In times of political or economic uncertainty, national pride and collaboration have the power to unite us and reshape perspectives. At Kasian, we view this shift as a positive outcome of challenging times—one that strengthens our commitment to Canadian innovation and design.