Arctic Co-op to label Canadian products in light of trade war

Arctic Co-op Ltd., one of Nunavut’s biggest retailers, plans to equip stores with labels for Canadian-made goods in light of threats of a possible Canada-U.S. trade war.

“We’ve had some reach-outs from member Co-ops about a made-in-Canada push,” said Duane Wilson, vice-president stakeholder relations at Arctic Co-operatives Ltd.

Wilson spoke about the importance of providing information to consumers without forcing them to read the fine print on packaging.

The threat of tariffs has been hanging over Canada since U.S. President Donald Trump was elected in November. Weeks after the win, he announced 25 per cent tariffs on all goods coming into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico on “Day 1” of his administration, which was Jan. 20.

That date has since been pushed back to Feb. 1, Feb. 4 and now sits at March 4, with an added 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminum as of March 12.

Trump has used the tariff threats to highlight the U.S. trade deficit with Canada and to apply pressure for increased border security. But his administration has also signalled the tariffs are a tool to annex Canada into the U.S.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has rebuffed any suggestion Canada would become the 51st state and has promised retaliatory tariffs on American products coming into Canada.

He has also urged Canadians to “choose Canada,” promoting a “buy Canadian” movement in response to the potential trade war.

Wilson said this idea is a little more complicated for people in remote northern communities who are more reliant on sealifts.

“There’s going to be a little bit less of a capacity to affect domestic procurement if you’ve already got enough shelf-stable products to see you through until next summer sealift,” he said.

“At the end of the day, if we can help give consumers some indication of the country of origin, or at least if it’s of Canadian origin, then ultimately, they will vote with the choices they make right in store.”

A representative for North West Co., which operates both Northern stores and NorthMart, says it’s unclear whether there has been a shift or push in buying habits for Canadian products but will continue to support locally made products.

“Our teams work diligently, ensuring our customers continue to have access to a wide range of product offerings, to meet their family’s needs,” said Darryl Martin, director of marketing and communications at North West company in a statement.

“Supporting local is important for our customers and remains a priority for us.”

Canada’s premiers, including Nunavut premier P.J. Ageeagok were in Washington, D.C., this week to meet with U.S. government officials in an effort to dissuade the Trump administration from going ahead with the tariffs.

B.C. Premier David Eby told reporters Wednesday the premiers have made it clear to the Trump administration that annexation talk is a “non-starter.”

To which James Blair, Trump’s deputy chief of staff, replied on X: “We never agreed that Canada would not be the 51st state.”

Located in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada, Nunatsiaq News is dedicated to covering affairs in Nunavut and the Nunavik territory of Quebec since 1973. It has been a partner to ArcticToday and its predecessors since 2016.