NEWS RELEASE
JUST SIMCOE
************************
As tensions rise between Canada and the United States in an ongoing trade war, the effects are being felt not just in government offices but in communities across the country.
While much of the focus has been on tariffs and trade negotiations, the real impact is hitting small- and medium-sized businesses — businesses that are at the heart of Canadian communities.
Now, more than ever, building a self-sustaining local economy isn’t just important—it’s essential.
“This isn’t just about buying Canadian-made products,” says Andrew de Jong, founder of Just Simcoe, a marketplace dedicated to supporting local businesses. “Canadian businesses are being priced out of their own markets by trade policies they have no control over.
"We can’t afford to be dependent on the decisions made outside our borders. The best way to take control is to invest in homegrown businesses and make intentional choices about where we spend our dollars.”
Trade war’s local impact
Decisions made in Washington are already having an impact on Canadian families and businesses. Rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and squeezed profit margins are making it harder for local businesses to compete. While governments work through negotiations, consumers don’t have to wait — they can make choices today that directly support the businesses in their communities.
Every purchase made from a local business helps strengthen the local economy, keeping more money in the community and reducing reliance on foreign markets. Shopping local isn’t just about patriotism — it’s about economic resilience.
Why a sustainable local economy matters
Canada’s economic future should not rely on multinational corporations or policies dictated by another country. A strong local economy means:
- More money stays in the community, supporting jobs and local families.
- Small businesses remain competitive despite external pressures.
- Greater independence from large corporations like Amazon or services like Canada Post, which are vulnerable to external disruptions.
Just Simcoe is helping to create this economic stability by bringing thousands of local businesses together in one seamless shopping experience. Consumers can shop from local vendors while enjoying the convenience and speed they expect from large online retailers—without sending their money out of the community.
Small choices, big impact
Every purchase is a choice. Choosing a local business over a multinational keeps money in the community, supports Canadian jobs, and strengthens the economy from the ground up. It’s not about making drastic changes — it’s about making mindful choices that collectively create a stronger future.
Just Simcoe continues to champion local businesses by making it easier for consumers to shop local, offering a centralized marketplace and free same-day delivery on thousands of products.
The power to build a stronger, more resilient economy starts with everyday choices.
For more information, visit JustSimcoe.ca.
************************