When the dust settles, we must plan ahead to ensure we are better prepared for a health and economic disaster like the one we are currently dealing with.  Hopefully, the powers that be in our country are realizing that we must manufacture more at home, with incentives to produce and buy locally.  Dependent on the kindness and generosity of others is not recommended when the chips are on the table, and the world is reeling.  Unfortunately, discovering who you can and cannot rely on for help is often a bitter pill to swallow.

This may seem like a drastic statement, coming from someone like me who tends to support and see the best in others regardless of who they are and where they live.  Self-preservation takes over at some point though, especially when we are seeing acts of greed and unsanitary practices that are adversely affecting the whole world.

Everyone knows COVID-19 started in the wet markets of China. The disgustingly unsanitary practice of selling “fresh” meat on the streets has to stop.  If you agree, please sign this petition.  How many viruses are we going to let take over the world before something is done to prevent them at their source?

What can we do at the grassroots level?  We can start by paying more attention to the origin of the items we purchase.  From food to clothing to PPE (personal protective equipment) to household items, our Canadian standards for all of these things are much stricter, something we take for granted.

Do your due diligence, and look for the made-in-Canada labels!  You could not miss the label on the stainless steel set of pots and pans I recently purchased.  Sometimes though, you have to look a bit harder, but all products (for import and export) must be labeled with their origin.  Not “packaged by,” or “assembled in”, but “product of” or “made in.”  Even products sold online have their “country of origin” listed, somewhere.  You can even google the information.  For example, recently I looked up “canned mushrooms made in Canada” and found out they are available at some Canadian Tire stores and my local Canadian Super Store.

This COVID-19 virus should be a wake-up call heard around the world. From a Canadian standpoint, our economy should be able to rely on us manufacturing and consuming Canadian products as much as possible.  You should have the same concerns about supporting your local and federal economy where ever you live.  Globally, the health of all of us may depend on it.