Tips to support local and stay safe during the holiday season
Looking for information on how to stay safe, this holiday season, while supporting small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic? Here are some ways you can support small businesses while also following the latest advice from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Top tip: The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant health, social and economic impacts on Canadians. Supporting small businesses benefits communities and local economies and it can be done safely. However, personal circumstances may affect where, when and how you are able to shop during the pandemic.
On this page:
In-person shopping, pickups and services
1. Learn what small businesses exist in your area
- Follow local and small businesses, such as stores, holiday markets, merchants, and restaurants, on social media
- Subscribe to your local newspaper or community newsletter
- Look for bulletins and events posted online such as on your local community centre, neighbourhood association, municipal and library websites
- Read reviews of local and small businesses to help inform your decision
- The national Shop Local initiative supports the work of provinces and territories, through chambers of commerce and other local organizations, to encourage consumers to support local small businesses. For ideas on shopping locally, check out the marketplace website in your region:
Alberta
The Support Local AB Directory shares information about small businesses in the province.
Atlantic Canada
The Atlantic Chamber website highlights Shop Local campaigns in communities across Atlantic Canada.
Manitoba
The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce shares how you can buy locally in the province's small businesses.
Ontario
The Ontario Made website allows businesses to showcase their products. The website is regularly updated with new listings.
Quebec
The My Store Next Door campaign connects you to the various initiatives available in your region.
Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan Shop Local program website highlights the multiple offerings in each community.
Yukon
The Whitehorse Buy Local program encourages you to follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on contests, announcements and other local offers.
2. Plan ahead and stay safe
Before going out, consider the risks and make informed choices to keep yourself, your family and your communities safe. Remember, if you are vaccinated against COVID-19, you still need to follow local public health measures in public settings. You should also:
- Check provincial or territorial public health resources for mandatory public health measures based on where you live
- Provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and personal identification to gain access to certain businesses, if required in your province or territory
When you are out in public:
- Wear a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19
- Maintain a safe distance from people not in your household
- Wash your hands frequently
- If you don't have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol to wash your hands
Many local and small businesses will be happy to make your shopping trip or service experience a safe one. Depending on the type of business, you may also consider the following to reduce the amount of time you spend indoors or in a shared space:
- Make a holiday shopping list, check online or call the business to see if what you would like to buy or order is available
- Call ahead to request any accessibility accommodations, such as help while shopping or receiving services
- Request curbside or outdoor pickup if possible
- Use the business's delivery service if possible
Other ways to support small businesses
- If delivery or pickup is available, order directly from the business instead of using a third-party app
- Consider buying food that has been grown in Canada or made in Canada
- If there are few retail options near you to buy local products, consider buying from elsewhere in Canada instead of abroad
- Many popular online marketplaces will let you filter sellers who are Canadian, or who make or manufacture their products in Canada
- If you have a favourite small business, let others know by sharing your experience
By shopping local during the COVID-19 pandemic you can help local businesses prosper.
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