File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).

By Steve Morisette, MLA for Kootenay-Monashee

SOUND OFF

SOUND OFF: Supporting our local economy

Dec 10, 2025 | 10:30 AM

IN THE FACE of economic uncertainty and threats to our sovereignty, Canadians and British Columbians have stepped up all year to tirelessly support local farmers, retailers, restaurants and businesses across B.C., and have carefully chosen Canadian-made groceries and products in their day-to-day lives.

Just last week, we celebrated BC Buy Local Week, and as the holidays fast approach and we continue to feel the economic impacts of Trump’s unjustified tariffs, it’s more important now than ever to keep the ball rolling and continue to support local businesses this holiday season.

We know that for many, especially as global inflation and the decisions of the U.S. president continue to put pressure on affordability, that the holidays can be a very stressful time, and that buying exclusively locally might not be an option for everyone. But did you know that if we all shifted just 10 per cent of our spending to local businesses, it could create thousands of jobs here in B.C.?

For every dollar spent at a local business, 66 cents stay in the local economy, compared to only 11 cents when we buy from big corporations.

A great place to look for local gifts is at holiday markets in communities across the province, where the impact of your spending goes straight to a local maker and you get to gift unique, high-quality hand made goods.

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The holidays are such a great time to connect with family and friends, and it’s a perfect opportunity to meet up for a coffee at a local cafe, lunch at a local restaurant, or share an experience at a local salon or spa or tourist attraction.

Another way to support our favourite local businesses is by buying gift cards that can help local businesses generate revenue for the typically slower winter months that come after the holidays.

Local businesses are the backbone of our communities, and our government wants to see them thrive. This year, we’ve introduced the Ease of Doing Business initiative, which includes an online portal for businesses to share their ideas, challenges and suggestions and a webpage highlighting actions government is taking to support businesses.

Now that the legislative session is wrapped up, I’m looking forward to being home in my own community of Fruitvale, and supporting local restaurants, cafes, retailers, farmers, and more across my riding of Kootenay-Monashee.

B.C. will not slow down or wait for others to act. With nearly half of the federal government’s major projects already here, B.C. is Canada’s economic engine, and we’re accelerating. We just launched Look West, a strategy that brings government, industry, and communities together to rise to global challenges. By fast-tracking projects, expanding training, and supporting growth in key sectors, we’re creating good-paying jobs and building a resilient economy for B.C. and Canada that is less reliant on the United States.

I am so proud to be a British Columbian, and to see the herculean effort that people have made this year to Buy BC. I know that if we are able, we will all be thinking about shopping locally this season where possible. I’m wishing everyone across British Columbia a very happy and safe holiday season.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.