Home · Economy & Business · Consumer Goods · 'Buy Canadian'
'Buy Canadian'
When it comes to the economy, an appropriate motto would be plus ça change. But when times are tough, a slogan that invariably turns up is "Buy Canadian" — an appeal to consumers to put pride and patriotism where their wallets are. In 2009 it came up once again, in part a response to the controversial "Buy American" provisions proposed as part of a massive economic stimulus package. The CBC Digital Archives looks back at "Buy Canadian" campaigns of the past.
'Buy Canadian': a 'simple, sad little plea'?
Broadcast Date: Nov. 23, 1961
The slogan is simple: "Buy Canadian." But maybe it's too simple. In this CBC Radio discussion from 1961, a consumer advocate and a manufacturing representative go toe to toe over Canada's controversial rallying cry. Buying Canadian guarantees good jobs, good products and a good standard of living, says Stuart Richardson. H.E. Beaudeaulais agrees that might be true, but resists the simplistic motto and nationalist focus. It's "a plea made to us, and not a reason given to us as to why to favour Canadian products."
'Buy Canadian': a 'simple, sad little plea'?
• In 1961, Canada's new National Oil Policy was adopted to stimulate economic growth by increasing exports to the United States. It divided national oil production along the Ottawa River, with production to the west marked for export, while eastern refineries could process imported oil.
• The unemployment rate in Canada in 1961 was 6.7 per cent. It would decline over the next five years, bottoming out at 3.3 per cent.
'Buy Canadian': a 'simple, sad little plea'?
Medium: Radio
Program: Assignment
Broadcast Date: Nov. 23, 1961
Guest(s): H.E. Beaudeaulais, Stuart Richardson
Reporter: Mildred MacDonald
Duration: 7:00
Photo: National Film Board of Canada. Photothèque/Library and Archives Canada.
Last updated:
Feb. 13, 2009
We used to publish directories which listed all Canadian manufacturers and the products they made. Today I cannot find such a directory. Is one available on line or in print.
Submitted by: Bill Kowalchuk