Travel Patterns to and from Canada, 2025

Just a couple weeks ago, a Loblaw-owned Real Canadian Superstore was fined $10,000 after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency said that maple leaf decals misled shoppers about whether certain foods were actually a “Product of Canada.” The culprit was later revealed to be broccoli slaw.

It goes to show that Canadians are feeling sufficiently patriotic about buying Canadian, businesses think it’s worth their effort to maple-wash their merchandise.

This week we also saw travel data that demonstrates Canadians are eschewing the United States, and choosing to travel more within Canada.

Buy Canadian sentiment remains very strong, to the point where shoppers are willing to pay more for local products.

We talk a lot about the grocery store, because it’s where most Canadians are actually able to use their wallets to help fight the trade war. We also see Canadians making consumer choices by dramatically cutting down on trips to the USA.

But in terms of economic heft, the Government of Canada could be doing a lot more. That starts with a stronger definition of what makes for a Canadian company.