On the surface, it looks like the Harper Government has given a victory to consumer activists, with it’s announced new ‘Made in Canada‘ label law. And frankly, it is about time too. I mean I do the shopping for the family, along with David, and it would be nice to know, without question, where the product is made, and if the ingredients are also local, or imported.

“Under our new rules, if something in the grocery store is marked product of Canada, it must mean all or virtually all the contents are Canadian,” Harper said.

The made-in-Canada label will mean the product was manufactured or processed in Canada. While such a product can include non-Canadian contents, the label must make it clear by specifying it was made in Canada with imported ingredients, Harper said. (source – CBC News)

Personally I think this is a good thing. While I am still unclear as to what ‘virtually all‘ means, I think at last, the consumer is getting some protection. It has taken long enough, but it is important to know, what the terms really are. Does the ‘imported ingredients‘ addition require listing from where the items are imported from?

It should, because I know I will not buy food products that come from Communist China or other countries, that have poor safety & health records. The consumer should be told about where the goods come from, which is one reason why I have stopped buying canned goods, with meat. Given the huge meat recalls in the States, and here too, it makes me wonder if those companies producing the canned meat items bought some of the tainted meats.

Knowledge is key, in making informed decisions. This new Label Law / Standard is a huge step forward, and as much as I dislike the Harper Conservatives, they deserve credit for stepping up to the plate here. Too bad George Bush and the Democratic Congress can’t take the lead from this either. I mean, it is really simple. Protect your Citizens, and so what if business has to pay a price, they seem to be making more than enough to cover such an added expense.

The consumer needs to know where the stuff comes from, so we can buy it, or boycott it.