Re: “Very few labels say Made in Canada,” Dec. 13.

Canada produces many things, common things we use every day as well as the extraordinary. We make things such as electronics and computer software used for the home and office. We also make electronics for military, industrial and automotive systems.

Canadians also make automobiles, furniture, lamps and lighting, fabrics, apparel of every type, plastics, sports equipment, pulp and paper products, and pharmaceuticals.

In Victoria, we produce candy, sea salt, ships and airplanes which are sold around the globe.

To the writer’s query, “When was the last time you saw a label that said ‘;Made in Canada,’” the answer is: often.

The retail clothing store I work in carries more than a dozen Canadian apparel-makers. Many other local shops of varying types also carry Canadian made products and are proud to say so. Our collective customers see this label all the time.

However, if consumers want to purchase Canadian made items, those consumers may have to pony up a bit more cash. Canadian manufactures make things of higher quality than most, whether those items are entry-level, high end or in between, and this can cost. Of course, that’s the crux of the whole issue, isn’t it?

Consumers want everything to be as inexpensive as possible, and are willing to forgo supporting local, regional or national products in the name of thrift. That is why Made in China has become so ubiquitous. And frankly, China makes some pretty darn good stuff.

For those wanting to support Canadian manufactures, producers of things you’d want to consume, know this: If one wants good-quality oats, one has to pay a fair price. If one is happy with oats that have been through the horse already, well, that comes a little cheaper.

Philip Nyren

Victoria

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