Supporting Local Toolkit
A Toolkit for Promoting Canadian Made Products and Resource List of Tariff Related Business Supports”
Introduction
More consumers are looking to support their local economies by purchasing products that are made in Ontario and Canada. The Huron Business Centre and its partner municipalities are committed to supporting local businesses and encouraging the purchase of Huron County and Canadian-made products. This Supporting Local Toolkit provides businesses with resources that help identify their products as being local and made in Ontario and/or Canada.
What’s in it for my business?
- Increased Visibility – Gain access to directories and marketing platforms that highlight Canadian-made businesses.
- Consumer Trust & Loyalty – Customers prefer to support local businesses and Canadian-made products.
- Government & Institutional Support – Certification can help businesses qualify for grants and funding.
- Competitive Advantage – Stand out in the marketplace by showcasing Canadian production and craftsmanship.
- Marketing & Branding – Gain the ability to use official and trusted product labels
Tariff Programs and Resources
EDC Webinar – March 20 - Managing supply chain risks in 2025
Upcoming EDC Webinar – March 20 from 1:00 – 2:00 pm ET: Webinar – Managing supply chain risks in 2025
At this new webinar, EDC experts will share actionable strategies for strengthening supply chains and keeping your business agile, even during challenging times. The following will be explored:
- How to identify supply chain weaknesses, assess risks and anticipate economic impacts
- Managing currency fluctuations and rising costs through contract renegotiation, alternative sourcing, or moving production back to Canada (reshoring)
- Building agile supply chains by diversifying suppliers and leveraging trade agreements
- Using EDC tools and services to manage risk and maintain business continuity
- Real-world examples of exporters successfully managing supply chain risks
EDC Webinar – March 27 - Navigating tariffs and customs regulations
Upcoming Webinar from EDC: Navigating tariffs and customs regulations
Expert guidance on how to manage trade regulations, customs requirements and international contracts.
– ET
Farm Credit Canada (FCC) Tariff Support Program Info
Any farmers or businesses that are existing FCC customers may find value in the programs announced recently by the federal government.
Feedback Sought on Tariff Measures
- If you have any businesses that want to provide feedback to the federal government on products they feel should or should not have counter-tariffs applied to them, the federal government welcomes views on their proposed tariff measures. Submissions will be accepted until March 25, 2025. Provide input on tariff measures should be provided by completing this form.
- If you wish to provide additional information not included in the above form, as well as any additional views or comments you would like to provide on Canada’s tariff response, please e-mail consultations@fin.gc.ca, and include “U.S. Tariff Consultations” in the subject line.
- Full info on plans to impose tariff countermeasures: Notice of Intent to Impose Countermeasures in Response to United States Tariffs on Canadian Goods – Canada.ca
- If you have questions or input about the proposed tariffs and as it pertains to adding or removing Harmonized System (HS) codes of American made products from the list from the website above, please direct them to the following e-mail address, financepublic-financepublique@fin.gc.ca.
Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) Trade and Tariffs Resources
Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) resource for trade and tariff information.
EI Workshare Program
The federal government’s EI Work-Sharing Program. has expanded eligibility to allow businesses impacted by tariffs to minimize layoffs and job losses.
Export Development Canada (EDC)'s Trade Impact Program
EDC is allocating $5 billion across a number of export related programs. We recommend any businesses who are exporting visit this page EDC Trade Impact Program Page and take their quick assessment to determine which program(s) would benefit them.
Self Promotion: Social Media
The first and perhaps easiest thing to do is to let consumers know your product is Canadian on your website and social media channels.
Sample Social Media Post:
At [Your Company Name], we take pride in crafting high-quality products right here at home. When you buy from us, you’re not just getting top-notch craftsmanship—you’re also supporting local jobs, ethical production, and the Canadian economy.
Thank you for choosing Canadian-made! 🍁
#MadeInCanada #ShopLocal #MadeInHuronCounty #ProudlyCanadian
*Don’t forget to tag @huroncountyecdev and @ontarioswestcoast
Examples of these types of posts from Huron County businesses:
Product Labeling
Shop in Huron
Identify your business as a local business with the “Shop In Huron” badge.
Ontario Made
What it is: A program developed by the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) to promote Ontario-made products.
Cost: Free for eligible Ontario businesses.
Link: https://supportontariomade.ca/
Why it’s useful: Helps Ontario businesses showcase their locally made products to consumers and retailers.
How to join: Businesses can apply online to be listed and use the Ontario Made logo.
How to use the label: Approved businesses receive access to the Ontario Made logo and branding guidelines. It can be used on packaging, websites, and marketing materials to highlight Ontario-made products.
Features & Benefits: Branding, increased visibility, promotional support, and access to the Ontario Made consumer marketplace.
Foodland Ontario
What it is: A government-led program that promotes Ontario-grown food.
Cost: Free for Ontario farmers and food producers.
Link: https://www.ontario.ca/foodland
Why it’s useful: Increases consumer awareness of locally grown produce and agricultural products.
How to join: Eligible businesses can apply to use the Foodland Ontario logo on their products.
How to use the label: Approved businesses receive branding materials and usage guidelines to include the Foodland Ontario logo on their packaging and marketing.
Features & Benefits: Branding support, marketing materials, and increased consumer trust in Ontario-grown food.
Product of Canada and Made in Canada
The use of “Product of Canada” and “Made in Canada” claims is voluntary. However, once a company chooses to make one of these claims, the product to which it is applied should meet these guidelines.
Product of Canada
Under the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, a “Product of Canada” label means at least 98 percent of the total direct costs of producing the item were incurred in Canada.
Made in Canada
“Made in Canada,” meanwhile, means it was more than half of the total direct costs — at least 51 percent but less than 98 percent.
The Competition Bureau encourages qualifying statements for that label, such as “Made in Canada with imported parts,” or “Made in Canada with 60 percent Canadian content and 40 percent imported content.”
Guidelines for “Product of Canada” and “Made in Canada” claims
Product of Canada Certification (Canadian Food Inspection Agency - CFIA)
What it is: A certification for food products that meet Canadian content requirements.
Cost: No direct cost, but businesses must meet strict criteria.
Link: https://inspection.canada.ca
Why it’s useful: Certifies food products as genuinely Canadian, building consumer trust.
How to join: Apply through CFIA and provide proof of compliance.
How to use the label: Approved products can display the official “Product of Canada” or “Made in Canada” labels, following CFIA guidelines.
Features & Benefits: Official certification for labeling, consumer recognition, and credibility.
Product Directories
Made in CA
What it is: An independent platform promoting Canadian businesses and manufacturers.
Cost: Free listing with optional paid promotions.
Link: https://madeinca.ca/
Why it’s useful: A growing online directory dedicated to promoting Canadian-owned businesses and manufacturers.
How to join: Businesses can submit an application online.
How to use the label: Businesses approved for listing can use the Made in CA logo on their website and promotional materials to signify their Canadian-made status.
Features & Benefits: Increased exposure, Canadian-made branding, and consumer trust.
Made in Canada Directory
What it is: An online directory that lists businesses producing goods in Canada.
Cost: Free listing with optional premium upgrades.
Link: https://madeincanadadirectory.ca
Why it’s useful: Consumers looking to support local businesses can easily find and purchase from Canadian brands.
How to join: Visit the website and submit an application for review.
How to use the label: Approved businesses may be eligible to display a Made in Canada Directory badge on their website and products.
Features & Benefits: Increased visibility, credibility, and access to a community of Canadian consumers.
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) - Made in Canada Initiative
What it is: A national initiative that supports and promotes Canadian manufacturers.
Cost: Membership-based (varies by business size and services required).
Link: https://cme-mec.ca
Why it’s useful: Provides networking opportunities, advocacy, and training for Canadian manufacturers.
How to join: Businesses can apply for membership through the CME website.
How to use the label: Members can display the CME Made in Canada logo to demonstrate their commitment to Canadian manufacturing.
Features & Benefits: Advocacy support, training resources, and branding as a Made in Canada business.
Need help along the way? Contact the Huron Business Centre for complimentary 1:1 advisory support. We offer tools and support for your business to thrive!