The idea behind the 10% Shift is simple: you do not have to spend more money. By shifting 10% or more of what you already spend toward Nova Scotia and Canadian products and services, you can help support local businesses, Canadian workers and stronger communities.
Even a small shift in where we spend our money can make a difference. When possible, look for products made in Nova Scotia or elsewhere in Canada. Look for union-made goods and unionized services that support fair wages, safer workplaces and decent jobs.
Not every purchase can be local or Canadian. Price, availability and personal needs still matter. This is not about making people feel guilty. It is about helping people find Canadian, union-made and Nova Scotia choices when those choices make sense.
The directories are provided because they have already gathered much of this information. Use the buttons to search for food, clothing, household goods, crafts, hotels, services and other products made or provided by Canadian workers. If something is missing, send me the link through the Contact page. I will review it and add it if it fits.
Start with union-made
Canadian Labour Congress Buy Union Directory
The Canadian Labour Congress maintains a national directory of Canadian union-made products and unionized services. It covers food, clothing, hotels, manufacturing, media, retail, transportation, automotive businesses and other services. The CLC advises shoppers to check both the country of origin and the union label.
UFCW Great Canadian Food Products
The United Food and Commercial Workers provides a practical shopping list of foods and beverages made by UFCW members. It includes bread and pasta, dairy products, meat, poultry, fruit and vegetables, snacks, sauces, prepared meals, seafood and drinks. Check the package, as companies may produce different products at different plants.
Unifor Directory
UNIFOR has a searchable directory that lists businesses where its members manufacture products or provide services. Listings include manufacturing, transportation, airlines, media, hotels, health and long-term care, financial services and other workplaces. Check the location and other details before buying because listings and workplaces can change.
Find Canadian products
Made in CA
Made in CA sorts Canadian products, services and retailers into useful categories. These include food, clothing, furniture, household products, tools, personal care, pet supplies, electronics and Internet services. The site also identifies Canadian-owned companies, which helps separate where an item is made from who owns the business.
More Canadian directories
Shop Canadian Stuff maintains a broad collection of links to Canadian product directories, provincial directories, Canadian-owned business lists, and product-scanning apps. It is a useful second stop when an item is hard to find. The site cautions readers to check labels and not rely on a directory or app alone.
Buy Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Loyal
Nova Scotia Loyal is the provincial buy-local program. Its directory lets readers browse by business, region or product to find local growers, harvesters, makers, retailers and food service providers.
Nova Scotia Made
Nova Scotia Made focuses on goods manufactured in the province and retailers that carry them. The site features individual products and includes a Where to Buy section for people looking beyond food and drink.
Taste of Nova Scotia
Taste of Nova Scotia’s member directory covers local restaurants, culinary experiences, and food and beverage products. It can help readers find Nova Scotia producers as well as places that serve locally sourced meals.
Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia
Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia provides a regional list and map of markets across the province. It includes year-round and seasonal markets in many communities.
Craft Nova Scotia
Craft Nova Scotia is a membership directory that helps shoppers find Nova Scotia makers working in ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles, wood, metal, visual art, food and beverage, and other fields. Follow the maker’s listing to confirm how and where to buy.
Know what Canadian labels mean
There are rules and government guidelines for businesses that claim a product is Canadian. Canadian-owned, Made in Canada, Product of Canada and sold by a Canadian retailer do not mean the same thing.
For non-food goods, the Competition Bureau generally accepts a Made in Canada claim when at least 51% of direct production costs were incurred in Canada, the last substantial transformation occurred here, and the label includes a statement such as “Made in Canada with imported parts.”
Product of Canada has a higher standard for non-food goods. At least 98% of direct production costs must be Canadian, and the last substantial transformation must have taken place in Canada.
Food labels follow Canadian Food Inspection Agency guidance. A food labelled Made in Canada must have undergone its last substantial transformation here and must state whether it was made with imported ingredients, Canadian ingredients, or both. A food labelled Product of Canada must have Canadian processing and labour and a significant amount of Canadian ingredients.
A maple leaf, the Canadian flag, or a red-and-white package is not proof that a product is Canadian. There is no single official logo for Canadian food. Read the label wording, check the product details, and ask the manufacturer or retailer if the information is unclear.
Please check before buying
Ownership, production locations, product lines and union representation can change. A company may make some goods in Canada and import others. These directories are a starting point, not a guarantee. Follow the linked source, check the package or service location, and ask the seller when the information is unclear.
Know another useful directory?
If you know about another reliable Canadian, union-made or Nova Scotia directory, please send the link through the contact page. Priority will be given to directories run by unions, governments, co-operatives, established industry groups and recognized community organizations.
Last reviewed: September 2026.