Commonwealth_ Navigating a grocery store with the goal of buying Canadian products can be surprisingly challenging. That carton of blueberries might not be local, the loaf of bread could be made with imported ingredients, and even the juice labeled as a product of Canada might use components sourced from abroad. For shoppers committed to supporting local businesses, identifying truly Canadian products often requires extra effort.
Fortunately, a wave of innovative apps created by entrepreneurs across the country is making this process easier. These apps, including Shop Canadian, Buy Beaver, OSCANada, and Maple Scan, are designed to help consumers determine the origins of everyday items with just a quick barcode scan. Shop Canadian, developed by two software engineers in Edmonton, allows users to scan a product’s barcode and instantly access information about its origins. The app utilizes a database of company-registered product codes and crowdsourced data to determine a brand’s registration status in Canada, the U.S., or any other country. Inspired by a desire to support local businesses, the creators of Shop Canadian aim to simplify the process of identifying genuinely Canadian goods.
Buy Beaver, created by two entrepreneurs in Montreal, takes a slightly different approach by rating how Canadian a product is on a scale of one to five. The app evaluates several factors, including where the product is made, the source of its ingredients or materials, and the ownership of the brand. The rating system allows users to make informed decisions, considering not only whether the product supports Canadian jobs but also whether the profits stay within the country or flow elsewhere.
O SCANada, the brainchild of a mother and son from Calgary, offers a similar scanning feature, empowering users to contribute to a growing community-driven database. When a product isn’t yet rated, users can provide their insights, helping the app’s data become more accurate over time. This collaborative approach ensures the app evolves with the input of its users.
Maple Scan, an AI-powered tool developed by a Calgary researcher, adds another layer of sophistication by combining technology and community feedback. Its goal is not only to identify whether a product is Canadian but also to provide a comprehensive look at its supply chain and corporate ownership.
All four apps share a common feature: the ability to scan a barcode and instantly reveal a product’s level of “Canadian-ness.” They also rely heavily on community input, with users contributing data and ratings to refine the apps’ accuracy. This crowdsourced approach addresses gaps in official product labeling, especially when it comes to determining whether a product is made by a Canadian-owned company.
The rise of these apps reflects a broader movement to buy Canadian, which gained momentum in response to tariff threats from former U.S. President Donald Trump against Canada. Many consumers became more conscious of supporting local businesses and keeping money within the national economy.
Despite their growing popularity, the apps face some challenges. High traffic can cause technical difficulties, and developers are still fine-tuning their platforms. For instance, the creators of Shop Canadian are debating how strict the app should be in defining a product’s Canadian status—whether to focus solely on production location or to also consider corporate ownership and profit distribution.
Ultimately, these apps empower consumers to make informed choices about the products they buy. By offering transparency about supply chains and brand ownership, they help Canadians support local businesses and contribute to the national economy. As the technology continues to evolve, these tools are likely to become even more accurate and reliable, making it easier than ever for shoppers to buy Canadian with confidence.
