Buying Canadian

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Understanding Canadian-made labels helps us shop with purpose and support design that reflects our values

Let’s face it: American tariffs have made many of us rethink our purchasing power, not just how we spend our money-but where it goes.

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More Canadian homeowners are looking inward, reconsidering the value of supporting homegrown brands and materials. And when it comes to furniture and decor, the phrase “Made in Canada” has long stood for quality and craftsmanship.

But the label landscape is shifting. New designations such as “Designed in Canada,” “Manufactured in Canada,” and “Canadian-owned” now signal different kinds of commitment to homegrown creativity and accountability.

So, what do these labels really mean? For starters, “Made in Canada” means the product was both designed and built here from start to finish. From locally sourced materials to final assembly, everything happened on Canadian soil (think of companies such as De Gaspé and Tonic Living).

While these pieces may come at a premium, they offer traceable supply chains, reduced transportation emissions, and direct investment in Canadian jobs and communities. Then there’s “Designed in Canada,” which reflects our country’s creative influence, even if manufacturing happens abroad.

A standout in this space is Cozey, a modern furniture company I recently visited at their HQ in Montreal (so inspiring!). While their products are meticulously manufactured overseas, their commitments to Canadian design and innovation are clear.

“We always start with how people actually live-especially here in Canada. Whether it’s busy families, apartment dwellers, or individuals with pets, we consider their real lives when we design. Canadians have great taste, and they value versatility,” says founder and CEO, Frédéric Aubé.

That thoughtful approach is backed by a strong local team. “We’ve built a team of nearly 200Canadians, working across design, logistics, retail, and customer support,” says Aubé. The goal? “Every job we create here is part of a bigger dream-to see Cozey thrive on the world stage while staying deeply Canadian.

“Cozey also demonstrates that ethical practices and global production aren’t mutually exclusive. “We’ve trimmed plastic to the bare minimum, cut 90 per cent of Styrofoam, and redesigned the packaging to be more compact–smaller boxes mean fewer emissions,” says Aubé.

“And 98 per cent of our products never end up in landfills, thanks to our refurbishment and donations programs. We’re building smarter and wasting less.” “Manufactured in Canada” adds another layer to the conversation.

It refers to products designed aboard but built on Canadian soil. This hybrid model allows international brands to partner with Canadian factories and supporting local production even if the design aesthetic isn’t entirely homegrown. It’s a reminder that Canadian quality can still be part of a global story.

At Candace & Basil, this approach is core to their identity. “Our commitment to quality starts with crafting our custom high-end pieces in-house. Local manufacturing gives us full control over materials, design, and craftsmanship, ensuring every detail meets our exacting standards,” says Gaurav Nijhawan, President of Candace & Basil.

“By building in-house, we’re able to maintain consistency, uphold our reputation for exceptional quality, implement continuous improvements and offer flexibility in our product offerings. “Another important distinction is “Canadian-owned,” which speaks to the heart of a company’s identity. Even if design or manufacturing happens elsewhere, supporting a Canadian-owned business ensures your dollars stay here–fueling local entrepreneurship, innovation and jobs.

Some brands, such as Vogt blur the lines beautifully. A proudly Canadian company specializing in kitchen and bath fixtures, Vogt blends sleek European-inspired design with rugged Canadian performance. “Our design philosophy draws from elegant European minimalism,” explains Reka Kevsehi, Co-founder of Vogt, “but it’s filtered through a Canadian lens–clean lines, refined finishes and materials built to withstand climate and expectations.

“That homegrown perspective drives practical innovation too, from lead-free brass and PVD finishes to components that exceed North American performance standards. “Our customers expect both beauty and resilience, especially with season shifts and varied water conditions,” she adds.

“Being Canadian-owned and designing here gives us the insight and the drive-to deliver both. ”Buying Canadian is not just a label–it’s a lens. It invites us to look closer at how things are made, who’s behind them, and what kind of future we’re supporting. When design, integrity, and domestic craftsmanship come together, the result isn’t just a beautiful space – it’s a meaningful one.