Alternatives to the U.S.

Dear Editor: Regarding our friends who have expressed concern over the difficulty of buying “100 per cent Canadian” products and services. I’d like to suggest that we have to insert the words “if possible or practical.”

We all know the farmers’ markets will be shut down by October at the latest and we’ll have little choice where our produce comes from, especially for those who choose to use organic produce. Anyone with, say, Celiac disease, for whom gluten is definitely not an option, is forced to buy U.S. products if they want to have anything near a normal existence when it comes to enjoying food that most of us take for granted.

The same goes for some prescription drugs that are manufactured in the U.S. by U.S.-based pharmaceutical companies.

Furthermore, what do we do with Canadian subsidiaries of U.S. corporations? Do we boycott firms like Costco, Wendy’s, or hotel chains like Sheraton or Hyatt? If so, what do we tell the employees who may be laid off due to lack of business? And what about the Canadian farmers or suppliers who provide them?

And how can we get our computers working without firms like Microsoft, Apple, and Google, to name only three? No, we cannot have a 100 per cent boycott.

From my point of view, I have a few simple guidelines: first, and the most important, stay away from the U.S. Unfortunately a look at the border crossings shows a lot of Canadians cannot or will not do it. Why?

Second, be diligent in shopping. Many fruits and vegetables don’t come from the U.S., and can easily replace the U.S. produce. Stay away from Washington state apples, for instance, and if you have to buy New Zealand apples, well that’s your choice. But, what’s wrong with B.C. fruit? Thirdly: grit your teeth and buy “made in China” or from some other third world nation. I find it unfortunate not to buy better quality U.S. products, but them’s the breaks.

However, European products are probably better anyway.

Finally, don’t sweat the unavoidable. If you find you have absolutely no other choice once you’ve diligently searched for alternatives, buy the U.S.-made goods because you’ve made it as difficult for them as you can possibly be.

While it’s fine to look to our governments to retaliate against the U.S. administration, we can all help by making our own personal trade war. But, it won’t work if we sit and worry about the “impossibility” of buying only Canadian. Roderick MacIntosh

Peachland