Sask. NDP wants to institute ‘Buy Local Day’ to promote local businesses

With the uncertainty in the province caused by the U.S.-Canada trade war, the Saskatchewan NDP said it’s more important than ever to support local businesses.

That is why Regina South Albert MLA Aleana Young said she introduced the Buy Local Day Act, a bill that would proclaim the first Saturday of each month as “Buy Local Day.”

“This is about encouraging the incredible support that we already see out there in the community from people trying to support their local businesses (and) trying to shop Saskatchewan,” Young told reporters on Thursday.

“It’s a simple, feel-good thing to do, but I think it matters and it helps boost that optimism and gives us all an opportunity as members who represent the entire province to champion some of those great local businesses in our own constituencies and communities.”

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Young was speaking at District Brewing Company on Eighth Avenue in Regina.

Hayden McPherson said District Brewing has had to adapt due to the U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum. (Daniel Reech/980 CJME)

District Brewing’s Hayden McPherson said the bill offers an “amazing” opportunity to highlight local businesses and would foster growth in employment and the economy.

“It isn’t just buying a product that’s made in your community. It’s bigger than that,” he said.

Young introduced the bill on Thursday, and it will be read again at the next sitting of the Legislative Assembly.

Trade war impacts on business

McPherson admitted that the company is facing a “tricky time” due to U.S.-imposed tariffs, but he said District Brewing has maintained its optimism

McPherson said District Brewing has been impacted by the 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium, but the company has begun to find local suppliers and started using digitally printed cans.

“As a very green business, we look for sustainability in everything we’re doing, so we’re looking for ways to make it easier to recycle our cans and, luckily enough for us, some of those suppliers are right here in Canada,” McPherson said.

“These tariffs have pushed us to make sure we’re finding local suppliers that are able to do the same great things, even better than we were finding before.”

The Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement said it considers every day a “buy local” day.

“Over the past five years, nearly 90 per cent of government procurements were awarded to Saskatchewan-based companies. When Saskatchewan companies bid that number has jumped to 95%,” the ministry said in a statement.

“SaskBuilds and Procurement continues to ensure fair, transparent procurement that delivers the best value for taxpayers.”