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Uniting a Nation Through Commerce: The Canadian-Made Movement

The Inception of a National Movement: Responding to Trade Challenges

Valerie Crisp, a 38-year-old entrepreneur from Toronto, witnessed a growing sense of Canadian solidarity and a desire for national self-reliance in the wake of US President Donald Trump's tariff policies. This period sparked a national conversation about Canadian sovereignty and the importance of supporting local businesses, a sentiment that resonated deeply with Crisp.

Leveraging Innovation to Facilitate Local Shopping

Having previously developed a product search solution through a tech accelerator program, Crisp recognized an opportunity to adapt her prototype to serve the burgeoning 'Buy Canadian' movement. Her aim was to streamline the process for consumers to discover and purchase products from Canadian enterprises, addressing a perceived gap in the market where American goods had become the default choice.

Building a Platform for Canadian Brands: From Affiliate to Direct Sales

The Common Goods marketplace initially launched with an affiliate model, allowing Canadian brands to promote their products through existing programs. However, a turning point arrived in November with the introduction of curated gift boxes featuring Canadian products, which proved highly successful during the holiday season. This success propelled the platform towards offering direct checkout options for a growing number of brands, while maintaining affiliate partnerships with larger companies.

Navigating the Nuances of 'Buying Canadian': Definitions and Trade-offs

Crisp acknowledges the complexities inherent in defining 'Canadian-made.' While some products, like food and skincare, can be entirely sourced and manufactured within Canada, others, particularly electronics, present challenges. She emphasizes that her platform focuses on showcasing Canadian businesses, allowing consumers to then apply their own filters for what 'buying Canadian' means to them, recognizing that truly 100% Canadian-made options may not always be available or affordable for everyone.

The Surge in Traffic: A Testament to National Resolve

The entrepreneurial venture experienced a significant boost in visibility and traffic when trade deal negotiations between Canada and the US stalled. Crisp's timely engagement on social media, reflecting the public's heightened interest in supporting Canadian products, led to a nearly threefold increase in daily website visitors, from under 5,000 to almost 15,000. This sudden influx of interest underscored the collective desire of Canadians to invest in their own economy.

Empowering Canadian Businesses: Impact and Future Outlook

The increased traffic translated into tangible success for the brands featured on Common Goods, with one business reporting an unprecedented surge in orders. While the platform's returning customer rate is still evolving, the overwhelming sentiment points to a widespread enthusiasm for the 'Buy Canadian' initiative. Crisp views this as a positive evolution, fostering greater mindfulness among Canadians about their purchasing decisions and empowering local companies to thrive on their own terms.

New York is extending a warm invitation to Canadian visitors, emphasizing a message of appreciation and hospitality. This initiative comes as Canadian tourism to the state experienced a notable decline in 2025, a period marked by escalating trade tensions and proposed tariffs between the US and Canada. Through strategic promotional campaigns, New York aims to revitalize cross-border travel and underscore the strong cultural ties that bind the two regions, offering enticing deals to offset economic pressures and foster goodwill.

New York's Outreach: A Detailed Look at Campaigns to Revive Canadian Tourism

In response to a significant downturn in Canadian tourist arrivals—a drop of over 26% in 2025 according to the Governor's office—New York State has unveiled two major promotional campaigns: "NY LOVES CANADA" and the "Northern Neighbour Deal." These initiatives are strategically designed to counter the impact of proposed tariffs and strained international relations, which have led some Canadians to reconsider travel to the United States. New York, a state heavily reliant on Canadian tourism, is leveraging these campaigns to send a clear message of welcome.

The "Northern Neighbour Deal," spearheaded by New York City Tourism + Conventions, offers Canadian visitors an impressive 30% discount across nearly 100 hotels, restaurants, theatrical productions, and attractions throughout New York City's diverse boroughs, including Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and The Bronx. This discount is specifically tailored to mitigate the effects of the fluctuating exchange rate, which currently stands at approximately $1 CAD to $0.72 USD as of August 2026. Iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building, One World Observatory, and Top of the Rock observation decks are participating, alongside popular destinations like the Harry Potter Shop NYC and various cruises offering stunning views of the Statue of Liberty.

Beyond the bustling cityscape, the "NY LOVES CANADA" program, managed by the New York Department of Economic Development, extends its reach across the wider state. This initiative includes deals at 25 hotels, dining establishments, and attractions in picturesque regions like the Hudson Valley, the Adirondacks, Long Island, and Greater Niagara. Notable examples include buy-one-get-one-free admission at Adventureland on Long Island and complimentary entry for Canadians to the Heckscher Museum of Art on select days. While the "Northern Neighbour Deal" for New York City is available from August 18 through September 7, many statewide offers will continue until the end of the year.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has personally championed these efforts, stating, "Our message is one of love: New York loves Canada, despite whatever headwinds may challenge our fellowship." She emphasized that New York and Canada are not merely geographical neighbors but also chosen friends, and Canadians are always welcome in the state. This sentiment reflects a broader trend, as other US cities, such as Las Vegas, have also introduced similar initiatives, like the "Vegas At Par" promotion, to attract Canadian travelers during this period of economic uncertainty and political tension.

The concerted efforts by New York highlight the importance of international tourism and the resilience required to maintain these connections despite external pressures. These campaigns are not just about economic recovery but also about reinforcing the bonds of friendship and cultural exchange between two closely linked nations.