I have just finished leafing through the most recent issue of
Canadian House & Home. It is a celebration of Canada: the country's style, its style-makers, and the great products that are designed and made here. It was great to see a magazine devote an issue to recognizing the great talents and goods we have here.
Ironically, it comes at a time when a lot of the country's retailers haven't been feeling much love from Canadian consumers. And, in fact, many feel discouraged by the attitudes of shoppers here. Take this comment from our Dollar Dilemma survey:
"I think it's high time for Canadians to become smarter consumers, and quit selling out to the great USA. Do we really want to become another annex of the US? Our country has so much to offer, and we have always thrived on the entrepreneurial spirit here, which will fade quickly as long as we are willing to sell out to the cheapest bidder. I find it interesting that when the local clubs want support - either a cash donation, or a prize or gift certificate for their events -- they manage to find my shop, but when they want to spend their consumer dollar, the big boxes win. Frustrating."
It is frustrating. Here's the thing: a while ago, I was watching a documentary on China. In it a young woman explained that part of her motivation for working hard, at school and to build a business, was that it was not only good for her but good for China. I don't think I've ever heard anyone say anything like that here. It makes me wonder if for too many of us, myself included, Canada isn't simply a country of convenience: A safe place to build our lives without having to think about whether we're giving something back.