Saskatchewan products for shoppers swapping U.S-made goods for local

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A 30-day reprieve from a trade war with the U.S. hasn’t changed some Saskatchewan shoppers’ minds about buying Canadian-made products to support Canadian businesses that could be hit hard if and when Donald Trump’s tariffs come into effect.

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The U.S. President planned to impose a 10 per cent tariff on Canadian energy and 25 per cent tariff on all other Canadian goods as of Tuesday, but on Monday, he said he would dial it back for a month after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau agreed to beef up border security.

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In the interim, the Leader-Post has compiled a list of some Saskatchewan-made options for shoppers looking to spend their Loonie on products from closer to home.

This list highlights only a handful of local options. Visit saskchamber.com/shop-local to find more Saskatchewan options in your region.

Beer

Saskatchewan is dubbed the bread basket of Canada, so it’s no surprise that the province is home to so many breweries.

There are more than enough local craft beer options to satisfy even the most niche tastes. Instead of going for big U.S. brands, like Budweiser or Coors, consider having a cold one from one of Saskatchewan’s taprooms.

Cleaning products

Seventh Generation, based in Vermont, is known for its eco-friendly cleaning and personal care products.

Nikihk, an Indigenous-owned cleaning product manufacturer based in Saskatoon, is a local alternative. Its product line is plant-based and made with non-toxic, biodegradable materials.

Owned by the Battleford Agency Tribal Chiefs and known for using unique scents inspired by Cree cultures, the company sells kitchen and bathroom cleaning products, laundry and body products.

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Flax and hemp seeds

If you usually reach for Bob’s Red Mill when it comes to flax and hemp seeds, a local alternative to the Oregon-based brand is Regina’s CanMar Foods, which works with certified organic products from its farms near the Lemburg and Lang area.

CanMar is known for its flax and hemp products, including milled, roasted flax and hemp seeds (popular in smoothies or salads) and flax oil and flour.

Roasted legumes

If you’re looking for an alternatives to products like Nature’s Garden roasted nuts, Three Farmers Foods has options. 

The natural food company, founded by sisters Natasha and Elysia Vandenhurk, produces roasted chickpeas, peas, lentils and fava beans at its Saskatoon-based production facility.

It also offers cold-pressed camelina oil and other product lines like crunchy lentil toppers for salads and chocolate-covered roasted chickpeas and fava beans.

Cat and dog food

Looking to make a switch from the Virginia-based Pedigree Petfoods?

Horizon Pet Food is a Rosthern-based manufacturer that offers ranges of dog kibble and dry cat food for various dietary requirements.

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The company focuses on high-quality ingredients and incorporates 50 per cent or more animal protein into the three product lines of pet food.

Candles and bath and body products

Saskatchewan is home to a number of local companies making candles and body products.

Skip on your next trip to Bath & Body Works, an Ohio-headquartered company, and instead try a soy, wood=wicked candle from Prairie Creek Candles, just east of Regina, or from the range of personal care items from Melfort’s Sask Bath Company.

Musical instruments

If you’re in the market for a big-ticket electric bass, consider Saskatoon’s Dingwall Guitars.

The guitar producer has been gearing up musicians, like Duran Duran’s John Taylor, with its custom instruments.

Dingwell designs and produces its lines of electric bass guitars with its own unique pickups and fanned frets.

nyking@postmedia.com

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