Late last week, Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff joined local growers, winery owners, and municipal leaders in Jordan to promote the inaugural Buy Ontario, Buy Canadian Day, a new provincial initiative encouraging consumers to support Ontario- and Canadian-made products.
The event, held on Friday, June 27, is part of the Ontario government’s broader strategy to strengthen local economies, reduce interprovincial trade barriers, and bolster job creation. The observance will take place annually on the last Friday in June and was established under the Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act, passed earlier this year.
“I want to urge people across Niagara West to buy Ontario fruit and Ontario VQA wine products today to support our regional economy and to protect Ontario,” said Oosterhoff. “Let’s show our support for Ontario businesses, celebrate local workers and protect jobs by choosing Ontario-made and Canada-made products.”
The announcement took place at Vineland Growers Co-operative and 180 Estate Winery in Jordan, where Oosterhoff was joined by local and regional officials, including Regional Chair Jim Bradley, Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton, councillors Mike Mikolic and Anna Murre, and representatives from Ontario’s tender fruit and wine sectors.
“As Niagara residents know, our region is home to an incredible diversity of innovative, dynamic and growing businesses across so many sectors that help Niagara stand out on the world stage,” said Bradley. “Today is an opportunity to recognize those businesses for the critical role they play in our economy, our culture and our identity. I encourage everyone to find opportunities in their daily lives to shop and support those local businesses that mean so much to us all.”
Easton emphasized the significance of the day, highlighting the deep roots of local enterprise in the region.
“It is a pleasure to join our community in celebrating Buy Ontario, Buy Canadian Day – a day to recognize the hardworking growers, makers and businesses who contribute so much to our local economy and way of life,” said Easton. “From tender fruit and VQA wines to locally made goods and everyday essentials, choosing Ontario-made products is a meaningful way to support our neighbours, protect jobs and take pride in the quality we produce right here at home.”
Leaders also joined Oosterhoff in the agricultural and winemaking industries, including Mike Ecker, President of Vineland Growers Co-operative; Phil Tregunno, Chair of Ontario Tender Fruit Growers; Debbie Zimmerman, CEO of Grape Growers of Ontario; Jeff Duc, Grape King; Joe Schenck, a local grape grower; Erin Mitchell, President of Megalomaniac Wines; and Robert and Marzia Murdoch, proprietors of 180 Estate Winery.
The Ontario government hopes the day will serve as an annual reminder for consumers to make intentional choices that benefit the local economy, from food and beverages to clothing and furniture.
The Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act, which received Royal Assent in June, is designed to unlock free trade and labour mobility within Canada by cutting red tape, encouraging investment, and supporting economic integration nationwide. The legislation is also part of Ontario’s response to ongoing global economic uncertainty and American tariff threats.
“Starting this year, the last Friday of June will be dedicated to reminding consumers across the province to choose Ontario-made and Canadian-made goods, food and products to protect Ontario jobs and keep communities strong,” the government stated in its announcement. “The Ontario government is committed to supporting business and workers in the face of American tariff threats and global economic uncertainty and will pursue additional measures and supports to ensure stability and resiliency.”
The next Buy Ontario, Buy Canadian Day will take place on Friday, June 26, 2026.
