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How Big Grocery Chains Influence Local Food Sales
In St. Catharines, Ontario, Dave Lawson, a vocal Canadian, expressed his dissatisfaction with grocery items adorned with maple leaves and patriotic symbols that are actually imported from the U.S.
This deceptive practice, known as “maple washing,” is prevalent in stores nationwide.
Amid ongoing tariff disputes with the U.S., Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reinforced the “Buy Canadian” initiative, emphasizing the importance of supporting local products.
Lawson, a member of a Canadian-buying Facebook group, advocates for purchasing items made in Canada with Canadian ingredients, to counter the impact of the trade war.
One example that irks Lawson is Betty Crocker’s chocolate chip cookie mix, which is marketed with Canadian imagery but labeled as a “Product of USA.”
Marketplace conducted an investigation revealing that many popular food items with patriotic packaging may mislead consumers about their origins.
Food economics expert Mike von Massow from the University of Guelph criticized such packaging as confusing and potentially misleading.
When questioned about the labeling, General Mills, the company behind the Betty Crocker mix, defended its branding as a reflection of being Canada’s top-selling baking mix.
Explore more insights from Marketplace reporters Rosa Marchitelli, Stephanie Kampf, and Bobby Hristova.
Accessibility Challenges for Disabled Individuals at Public Venues
A B.C. man using a wheelchair highlights issues with accessible seating at major venues. He accuses Ticketmaster and venues like Rogers Arena of failing to protect seating rights for disabled individuals.
A resident of Langley, British Columbia, Michael Coss, who relies on a wheelchair following a 2006 accident, faces challenges attending events at Rogers Arena due to the misuse of accessible seating.
Despite ongoing therapy for a traumatic brain injury, Coss struggles with mobility and values leisure activities