Ottawa, February 3, 2025 – In light of Donald Trump signing an executive order imposing across-the-board tariffs on 25-per-cent on Canadian goods starting Tuesday and 10-per-cent tariffs on energy, Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada (CMC) is urging Canadians to buy from local co-operatives.
When Canadians choose to buy from co-operatives, they are doing more than just making a purchase—they are investing in their communities and contributing to a stronger, more resilient Canada.
Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada (CMC), the national voice for co-operatives and mutuals, is calling on Canadians to recognize the power of their purchasing decisions and the impact they have on local economies.
Why buying from co-operatives matters:
- Canadians own a share of their community – Co-operatives are member-owned businesses, meaning that when we buy from them, we become stakeholders in their success.
- Canadians protect local businesses – Supporting co-operatives helps ensure the longevity of Canadian businesses that prioritize community well-being over short-term profits.
- Canadians strengthen the local economy – Co-operatives create jobs, invest in infrastructure, and provide essential services, keeping economic activity rooted in local communities.
- Canadians contribute to a strong and resilient Canada – By choosing co-operatives, we help build an economy that is sustainable, democratic, and inclusive.
The recent tariffs imposed by the United States pose an additional challenge to Canadian businesses, including co-operatives. These trade barriers risk increasing costs for consumers and harming the competitiveness of local enterprises. Now more than ever, it is crucial to support Canadian co-operatives to protect jobs, economic infrastructure, and our economic sovereignty in the face of these new international pressures.
Co-operatives are unique businesses, rooted in democratic principles and member ownership, ensuring that profits are reinvested into communities rather than extracted by external shareholders.
By choosing to buy from co-operatives, Canadians are actively participating in building a fairer, more resilient economy. It’s more than just a purchase—it’s an investment in a better future Canada for all.
For more information on how to find and support local co-operatives, visit https://crm.canada.coop/en/map
Media Contact:
Véronique Boucher, Communications Manager
Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada
613-238-6712 x265
About Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada (CMC)
Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada (CMC) is the national member-driven association for Canadian co-operatives and mutuals. We represent all sizes and types of co-operatives and mutuals from all sectors. We unite, engage, and lead the co-operative and mutualist movement by building bridges, breaking barriers, and advancing its priorities nationally through government advocacy and public promotion, as well as internationally through the International Cooperative Alliance and the International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation.