A Stand for Solidarity Amidst Economic Challenges

In today's interconnected global economy, our consumer choices have far-reaching implications. The recent threats of significant tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump have underscored Canadians' need to prioritize local businesses and products. This move supports our national economy and serves as a testament to our resilience and unity in the face of external pressures.

Why We Should Always Shop Local
Supporting local businesses is the backbone of a robust and self-sustaining economy. When we purchase from local retailers, artisans, and producers, we ensure that our money circulates within our communities, fostering job creation and economic growth. Local businesses often source their materials and services from other local entities, creating a multiplier effect that benefits the broader community.

Moreover, local businesses contribute to our neighbourhoods' unique character and culture. They offer personalized services and products tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the community, enhancing our quality of life and fostering a sense of belonging.

According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) data, for every dollar spent at a small business, 66 cents on average stays local. Conversely, only 11 cents of every dollar spent stays in the community when consumers shop at a large multinational business.

The Impact of Threatened Tariffs
In early 2025, President Trump announced intentions to impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, citing concerns over border security and drug trafficking. Although a 30-day pause was negotiated, the looming threat of these tariffs has already caused economic uncertainty and strained the historically amicable U.S.-Canada relationship.

These proposed tariffs have significant implications for Canadian businesses, particularly those reliant on exports to U.S. Industries such as automotive manufacturing, agriculture, and technology, which face potential disruptions that could lead to job losses and decreased economic stability. A Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) report (January 2025) found that Canadian small business confidence declined by five points on the Monthly Business Barometer since November.

The threatened tariffs add to these challenges, increasing costs for imported goods and materials. Supporting local businesses helps preserve jobs and sustain communities. Shopping locally reduces reliance on foreign markets and strengthens domestic supply chains.

The Need to Remove Provincial Trade Barriers
While shopping locally is essential, internal trade barriers between provinces create unnecessary challenges for businesses across Canada. Restrictions on transporting goods, differences in regulations, and varying tax structures make it harder for Canadian companies to expand beyond their provincial borders. By working to eliminate these barriers, we can create a stronger, more integrated economy that allows local businesses to grow, compete, and thrive nationally. Removing these barriers would enhance economic stability and encourage Canadians to support enterprises in neighbouring provinces as seamlessly as they would in their communities.

For example, due to interprovincial barriers, Canada's doctors can't practise in any other province. The Canadian Medical Association has long pushed for a 'pan-Canadian approach' as part of the response to the health workforce crisis.

Ways to Support Local Businesses
There are many ways to support local businesses beyond in-store shopping. Many now offer e-commerce, allowing purchases from home, with some providing direct delivery to keep sales within the community. Curbside pickup has also grown, enabling quick order retrieval without entering the store.

When booking accommodations or ordering takeout, buying directly from the business rather than third-party apps helps keep more revenue in the local economy. Large corporations will likely endure, but small businesses face more significant challenges. Their survival depends on intentional local support.

"Shop local" is more than a catchy slogan—it’s a commitment to supporting our communities. By choosing local businesses, we boost the economy and preserve Canada’s identity. Removing provincial trade barriers will strengthen businesses nationwide, ensuring a prosperous future.

Take good care.

Brad Harrison
Executive Director, BLBCA
ed@blbca.com

Wildflowers - Pioneering Life of Mary Schaffer Warren

Wildflowers, a film about Mary Schäffer Warren’s pioneering life, made its big screen debut last fall at the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival.

In the film, a group of women led by outdoor writer Meghan J. Ward retraces Schäffer’s legendary 1908 expedition to Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park.

Co-produced by Ward, based in Banff, and Trixie Pacis, a filmmaker from Kimberley, the documentary is based on the shared passions for mountain exploration and history held by two women, Schäffer Warren (1861-1939) and Ward, separated by a century.

“Having our world premiere at the Banff festival was our big goal from the beginning, not only because it is a prestigious festival but because it is one with deep connections to the film,” according to Pacis, the film’s director.  

Schäffer Warren remains an inspiring figure for women in many ways. In the early 1900s, when females were not allowed to join official survey parties, a man employed by the Geological Survey of Canada had the guts to ask Schäffer Warren to survey Maligne Lake. 

It says a lot about the respect she had as an explorer and woman who was smart and could handle herself as well as any man could in the mountains.

At the same time, Pacis said Schäffer Warren’s life overlapped with “a significant time of colonial impact in the Canadian Rockies.”

Mountain Escapes Podcast Returns

Get ready for another exciting episode of Mountain Escapes! This time, Brad sits down with Tessum Weber, the owner/operator of the historic Battle Abbey Lodge in the Selkirk Mountains, just southwest of Golden, BC.

Founded by legendary explorers Hans Gmoser and Bill Putnam, this BLBCA member lodge has a rich legacy—and now, Tessum and his brother are bringing fresh energy to its operations.

Tune in to hear all about the revamped Battle Abbey and Tessum’s incredible, self-supported journey to the North Pole—where he became the youngest person ever to conquer this life-threatening expedition. Don't miss this inspiring episode—listen now!

Benefits of Joining the BLBCA

We have revamped our membership program, check out the new opportunities. For you, and generations of adventurers to follow, we need you with us. Supporting the BLBCA is the perfect way for you to help us move the needle on a number of long-standing challenges.

The BLBCA encourages responsible recreation on BC’s inimitable land and water on behalf of visitors and backcountry travelers just like you. Utilizing the strength of our diverse network of lodge operators, we inform decision-makers on the socio-economic benefit that backcountry recreation provides to residents and visitors alike. Take a minute to read our latest blog.

Share your backcountry adventures, tag photos with:
#myBCbackcountry | #exploreBC

Our members operate in many First Nations' traditional and unceded territories, including the Ktunaxa, Secwepemc, Syilx, and Stoney Nakoda Nations. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work in these territories and recognize that these are special places.