Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m Frédéric Choinière. I’ve long been interested in projects related to social issues, such as the environment, sustainable consumption, politics, and waste management. My journalistic approach is mainly field-based, where I meet with experts to fuel reflection.
Can you tell us about your project "My Life Made in Canada"?
Ironically, the idea for this project was imported! It was inspired by the documentary My Year Made in France by Benjamin Carle. With the producers, we adapted the concept to My Life Made in Canada.
This was a profound experience for me—living for an entire year exclusively with products made in Canada. It allowed me to refine my thoughts on the subject, go through a wide range of emotions, and, most importantly, meet Canadian manufacturers and designers of everyday products.
What were the main challenges of your 100% "Made in Canada" year?
One of the biggest challenges was finding electronics made in Canada. There are no longer any computers or cell phones manufactured here for the general public, which forced me to use imported devices for work. Home appliances were another challenge, but I eventually found second-hand options, as some Canadian production existed until around 2013.
And what about food?
Food was also a challenge. Some products have become so common in our daily lives that we often forget their origins—like coffee or oil.
You didn’t drink coffee for a year?!
That’s right, I didn’t drink coffee—and I’d say that was my biggest trauma of the year! (laughs)
Since I was in Toronto at the time, I relied heavily on grocery stores. The problem was that even during the local harvest season, some fruits and vegetables were imported from countries with larger, more predictable yields to meet demand.
How can we determine whether a product is made in Canada?
In 2020, when I wrote my book L'achat local : réflexions et conseils pour voir la vie en bleu (Buying Local: Reflections and Tips for Seeing Life in Blue), the concept of buying local was widespread, but there was no real definition of what made a product or purchase "local."
However, the Competition Bureau of Canada clearly defines a "Made in Canada" product: at least 51% of the production or manufacturing costs must be incurred in Canada, and the last significant transformation step must take place in the country. There is also the "Product of Canada" label, which requires at least 98% of production costs to be Canadian.
For "Aliments du Québec" (Foods of Quebec), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the provincial program in Quebec have established precise criteria.
So, there are now more tools to help consumers, but for some products, it’s still a bit abstract.
Yes, because in the end, the concept of "local" can vary—for example, depending on proximity to a neighboring country, transport considerations, or economic factors.
Exactly! The idea of locality can apply geographically—meaning in terms of distance—but also geopolitically. There’s still a lot of ambiguity around this.
That said, for the definitions that do exist, they are very clear: if a label says "Product of Canada" or "Made in Canada," it must meet these criteria.
One last question, Frédéric: what advice would you give readers to help them consume more locally in their daily lives?
The first step is to take inventory and check labels. When you start being curious—asking where the things you already own are made—it helps develop good habits: looking at origins, asking questions, and even directly asking shopkeepers if the information isn’t readily available.
Then, if you want to increase the proportion of local products in your life, start with categories where it’s easy because there’s a strong supply and no significant price difference. For example, cleaning products and personal care items (like soaps and deodorants). Many companies offer these products, and they’re often eco-friendly—greener than imported alternatives. This category is a great entry point, in my opinion.
Next, clothing is another option, but it depends on the person. If you have young children who grow quickly, buying local can be more difficult. However, today, more and more brands offer affordable, quality basics made in Canada.
Another "easy" category is large furniture—such as sofas, mattresses, and certain wooden furniture. Many are made in Canada. It’s worth shopping around, even at stores known for their low prices, as you can often find locally made options that fit most budgets.
To summarize, the key is to be aware of these issues while shopping and, when possible, choose the "Made in Canada" option.
Exactly! And choosing places like the Arloca boutique is a great way to shop. It’s a wonderful opportunity to discover artisan-made products, perfect for gifts, but it also proves that local options exist for everyday items—like socks, hats, or a beautiful ceramic dish set.
