How to Identify and Support Canadian Goods

Under the Competition Act, the Competition Bureau of Canada has established two designations for Canadian products: Product of Canada and Made in Canada (Competition Bureau Canada).

What Does “Product of Canada” Mean?

According to the Competition Bureau of Canada, a product can be labelled as a Product of Canada if it meets the following criteria (Competition Bureau Canada):

• The last substantial transformation of the product occurred in Canada.
• At least 98% of the total direct costs of producing or manufacturing the product were incurred in Canada.

What Does “Made in Canada” Mean?

A product can be labelled Made in Canada if it meets the following conditions (Competition Bureau Canada):

• The last substantial transformation of the product occurred in Canada.
• At least 51% of the total direct costs of producing or manufacturing the product were incurred in Canada.
• The “Made in Canada” label must include a qualifying statement, such as “Made in Canada with imported parts” or “Made in Canada with domestic and imported parts.” More specific information may also be provided, such as “Made in Canada with 60% Canadian content and 40% imported content.”

Both definitions reference “substantial transformation,” which means that a product must have undergone a significant change in form, appearance, or nature in Canada to qualify under either label (Competition Bureau Canada).

Many grocery stores now label Canadian products to help consumers easily identify them. Packaging labels or online product descriptions often feature a Maple Leaf symbol alongside terms such as Product of Canada, Made in Canada, or Manufactured in Canada.

For additional verification, check the back of the packaging or product sticker, where details about the product’s manufacturing origin and imported components are usually provided.
In British Columbia, the Government of BC offers a Buy BC designation to make it easier to identify local products. A product featuring the Buy BC logo meets the following criteria (Government of British Columbia):

• 100% grown, caught, or raised in British Columbia for fresh products.
• 51% or more of processing costs incurred in British Columbia for food and beverage processors.

• Made in CA Directory – A comprehensive directory featuring Canadian-made products, including food, clothing, kitchen supplies, and electronics.
• Buy BC Directory – A resource for finding British Columbian food products, including fresh produce, baked goods, cereals, and meats.
• Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Programs – Directly support local farmers and receive fresh, seasonal food. Explore our CSA Map to find a program near you.
• Local Farmers Markets and Independent Grocers – Visiting farmers’ markets and independent grocery stores can introduce you to new local brands and products. Check out BC Farmers’ Market Trail to see upcoming market dates near you.

Supporting Canadian-made goods strengthens our economy, creates local jobs, and builds a more resilient food system. Use resources like the Made in CA Directory, the Buy BC Directory, and the BC Farmers’ Market Trail to make informed choices. Every purchase matters, let’s invest in our future!

Reference List:

Competition Bureau Canada. “Product of Canada and Made in Canada Claims.” Government of Canada. https://competition-bureau.canada.ca/en/how-we-foster-competition/education-and-outreach/publications/product-canada-and-made-canada-claims.
Government of British Columbia. “Buy BC Program.” https://buybc.gov.bc.ca.