Maple Scanning

In the light of Rumpy's threats and tariffs, we of the Great White North are endeavouring to do what we can to support Canadian companies whenever possible and to express our concomitant disapproval of things American. We are now assisted by a new iPhone app in these very odd times.

I've tried the app a few times, and it seems to work. I pointed, snapped a photo, and soon learned that Beatrice is both a Product of Canada and also Made in Canada, the second generally considered to be more Canadian that the first. I was able to choose this product over a competing American product.

I scanned PC Chocolate Chip Cookies and discovered that they were made in Canada but not a product of Canada, which would mean that at least some ingredients were sourced from elsewhere, but it didn't say where. Whatever the case, however, I once again, left the competing American brand on the shelf.

On the other hand, Lacey's Fancy Feast cat food is an American, Nestle product, and Del Monte tinned peaches are also American. I purchased both because there were no Canadian competitors. and it didn't seem right to starve the cat or not eat fruit.

Philadelphia Cream Cheese was a bit of a conundrum. The app and packaging indicate that it is an American product, but both grocery stores that I went to also showed the maple leaf symbol on the shelf, so I wasn't sure what to do. I bought it anyway, but when I got home, Sue didn't understand why I had bought more cream cheese home. You see, I tend to get cream cheese and sour cream a bit muddled in my head; we needed the latter, not the former. I had to rectify my mistake later.

Does this avoidance of American products, in favour of Canadian ones. have an impact? Frankly, I don't know, but I feel better doing my bit. If millions of shoppers do this, it is bound to mean something.