Buying Made In Canada Products ~ A Rich History Known For Quality & Lasting Value

Canada has a rich textile history, starting as early as 1671. Historically the textile industry in Canada played an important economic role booming throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. By the mid 19th century, it was the third largest employer in Canada next to iron and steel production.

Canada’s first woollen mill was built in the 1820’s. By the mid 1800’s the industry had expanded to 385 cotton mills across Upper and Lower Canada.

By the early to mid 1900’s the textile industry had expanded more to include knitted goods, and an array of manmade fabric blends. There were over two thousand factories and mills.

At the height of textile production in Canada in the 20th century, the industry was flourishing to the extent it fulfilled 60% of domestic market demands. It also provided the necessary textiles in both world wars.

Sadly, by the end of the 20th century Canada began to rely more on imported textiles.

The website ingeniumcanada.org contains a collection of the Canadian looms and artifacts from Canada’s textile industry showcasing thousands of items used in the manufacturing of textiles.

By the 1970’s Canada’s textile workers received the highest wage compensation in the world. Most of the manufacturing was done in Quebec and Ontario. In addition, the artistic fashion flair that came out of Montreal, is world-renowned.

Canadian made products are not limited to textiles. Examples of quality products:

Stainless steel cookware. Currently Meyer has an eleven piece set marked down from $749 to $299. There are several stainless steel cookware options made in Canada. As we shift from using non stick coated pans with potential chemicals and microplastics, it is well worth changing to quality stainless steel pans. The trick with stainless steel pans is to heat them first, before adding oil or food.

Extensive and beautiful products made of wood. In addition to furniture, houses, flooring, decks, and other large items, Canada has churned out some beautiful kitchen products over the years.

One of the historical companies that made wooden kitchenware is Baribocraft. You can still find some of these high quality salad bowls, cheese boards, and salt and pepper mills in the second hand market. The company was founded by Herve Baribeau in 1922, and ceased production in the 1970’s. A link to an example of their product for sale on this website is posted at the end of this article.

Canada also has a rich history in the manufacturing of cast iron cookware. Although Canada no longer makes cast iron cookware, it is worthwhile to seek out some of the items in the second hand market, as cast iron can last hundreds of years.

Beginning in the 1740’s Les Forges Saint-Maurice in Quebec produced cast iron stoves, kettles, cookware, and even bullets.

McClary was also a notable maker of cast iron, and was headquartered in London, Ontario. Bristow Iron Works is another Canadian company located in Bracebridge, Ontario. I am not sure if they are still in operation as their website is not working.

The history, and availability of Made in Canada products is extensive. To see a more comprehensive list, check out the website madeincanadadirectroy.ca. More recently a young entrepreneur in Ontario set up madeinca.ca.

Remember ~ Canada is awesome!

Check out the example of vintage Baribocraft, and some of Canada’s gorgeous fashion designs: