How To Support Canadian-Made Products In Your Next Renovation
If you’re planning a new renovation and are aware of the latest headlines in the news, then you may be looking for ways to support Canada as you improve your home. According to Canada’s economic development department, small- and medium-sized businesses make up 99% of all Canadian businesses and employ 64% of Canada's private sector workforce. Finding ways to support “the backbone of this country” during your home renovation can help strengthen the Canadian economy.
Types Of Canadian Products
Not all Canadian products are made alike; there’s a range for “how Canadian” a given product is. The Canadian Competition Bureau outlines two distinctions:
- Made In Canada | 51% Canadian Or More
“Made in Canada” means that a product’s last substantial transformation happened in Canada, and over half of the product’s direct costs were incurred in Canada. For example, this could mean that the materials were sourced from outside of the country, but the product was assembled in a Canadian warehouse and sold by Canadian retailers. If less than 51% of a product’s costs are incurred in Canada, then companies may use more specific wording like “assembled in Canada with foreign parts.” - Product of Canada | 98% Canadian Or More
“Product of Canada” means that the last substantial transformation happened in Canada, and 98% of the product’s direct costs were incurred in Canada. Buying these products would offer a larger value-add to the Canadian economy than purchasing “Made in Canada” products.
Canadian Business Ownership
Both of these terms only address the production of the product. A product could be 100% produced in Canada, but owned by non-Canadian companies, meaning a portion of the profits would go to foreign organizations, employees, and shareholders.
The ideal scenario is to buy a product that’s assembled in Canada with materials produced in Canada from a company owned by Canadians. In many cases, this just isn’t possible. But even if you can’t find a product that is 100% Canadian, choosing the most-Canadian alternative will still be a valuable contribution to our economy.
Buying Canadian During a Renovation
Since most construction labourers are locally based, that portion of your renovation budget is already going to Canada. However, many materials and appliances are imported from foreign countries, like flooring, cabinetry, tiles, refrigerators, etc. But, with a little research, you can usually find Canadian alternatives for most of these products.
Identifying Canadian Products
In most cases, the majority of products used in a renovation will be bought from wholesale distributors through a contractor. Since you aren’t personally shopping for the product, it can be easier said than done to figure out which products are Canadian.
We suggest asking your contractor for the names of the product manufacturers and looking online to see whether they’re Canadian companies. You can find Canadian products on websites like Made In Ca, Ontario Made, or this province-by-province list of Canadian businesses. You can also tell a contractor or retail representative that you want to use Canadian products, and they will likely be able to give you several options.
Our List of Canadian Products
To help you in your search for Canadian-made products, we’ve put together a list of Canadian companies for your next renovation. We’ve prioritized products that are manufactured in Canada by Canadian-owned companies.
Cabinetry Hardware Manufacturer | Toronto, Ontario
Canadian Builders Hardware is a Canadian-owned and -operated hardware manufacturer based in Toronto. They produce cabinet handles, doorstops, and more.
Kitchen Appliances | Arnprior, Ontario
This Canadian-owned kitchen appliance manufacturer produces retro-styled fridges, stovetops, and microwaves. Find a dealer here.
Countertops | London, Ontario
Hanstone manufactures quartz surfaces in London, Ontario and is a Canadian subsidiary of South Korea-based Hyundai L&C. They’re the only manufacturer of quartz countertops in the province and are therefore a great way to support Canadian workers. Their porcelain products are imported from Italy. You can find Hanstone suppliers on this map.
Handmade Tiles | Ingersoll, Ontario
Many tile stores in Canada are strictly retailers and sell imported tiles. However, Heartstone Tiles is a small Canadian-owned manufacturer of handmade ceramic tiles. This is a great option if you’re interested in buying bespoke tiles to add character to your home.
Home Improvement Retailer | St. Jacobs, Ontario
Home Hardware is a solid Canadian alternative to American-owned Home Depot. Home Hardware is Canadian-owned and headquartered in St. Jacobs, Ontario. Since it’s a retail store, many of its products will be imported from foreign manufacturers.
Cabinetry | Vaughan, Ontario
Selba is the publisher of this blog and a local manufacturer of cabinetry in Vaughan, Ontario. All their cabinets are produced in their manufacturing facility in Concord, Vaughan, by local craftsmen.
Hardwood Flooring | Rockwood, Ontario
Superior Hardwood Flooring is a Canadian-owned and -operated manufacturer of hardwood flooring in Rockwood, Ontario. They distribute their flooring to over 150 stores across North America. You can find Superior Hardwood Flooring dealers here.
Lighting Manufacturer | Richmond Hill, Ontario
Liteline is a Canadian family-owned and -operated manufacturer of lighting fixtures. Find their list of Ontario dealers here.
If you’re looking for a Canadian cabinet manufacturer for your next renovation, reach out to Selba Kitchens & Baths today.
