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Ottawa Citizen

Modern living: Buying Canadian

Let's face it: American tariffs have made many of us rethink our purchasing power, not just how we spend our money — but where it goes. More Canadian homeowners are looking inward, reconsidering the value of supporting homegrown brands and materials. And when it comes to furniture and decor, the phrase 'Made in Canada' has long stood for quality and craftsmanship. But the label landscape is shifting. New designations such as 'Designed in Canada,' 'Manufactured in Canada,' and 'Canadian-owned' now signal different kinds of commitment to homegrown creativity and accountability. So, what do these labels really mean? Article content Article content For starters, 'Made in Canada' means the product was both designed and built here from start to finish. From locally sourced materials to final assembly, everything happened on Canadian soil (think of companies such as De Gaspé and Tonic Living). While these pieces may come at a premium, they offer traceable supply chains, reduced transportation emissions, and direct investment in Canadian jobs and communities. Article content Article content Then there's 'Designed in Canada,' which reflects our country's creative influence, even if manufacturing happens abroad. A standout in this space is Cozey, a modern furniture company I recently visited at their HQ in Montreal (so inspiring!). While their products are meticulously manufactured overseas. Their commitments to Canadian design and innovation are clear. 'We always start with how people actually live —especially here in Canada. Whether it's busy families, apartment dwellers, or individuals with pets, we consider their real lives when we design. Canadians have great taste, and they value versatility,' says founder and CEO, Frédéric Aubé. Article content That thoughtful approach is backed by a strong local team. 'We've built a team of nearly 200 Canadians, working across design, logistics, retail, and customer support,' says Aubé. The goal? 'Every job we create here is part of a bigger dream-to see Cozey thrive on the world stage while staying deeply Canadian.' Article content Cozey also demonstrates that ethical practices and global production aren't mutually exclusive. 'We've trimmed plastic to the bare minimum, cut 90 per cent of Styrofoam, and redesigned the packaging to be more compact — smaller boxes mean fewer emissions,' says Aubé. 'And 98 per cent of our products never end up in landfills, thanks to our refurbishment and donations programs. We're building smarter and wasting less.'