The threat of tariffs imposed on Canadian products has prompted a national 'buy local' rally.
And that includes books.
Debbie Jonas, manager of Vernon's Coles book store in the Village Green Centre, chose to replace books on the store's Wellness table Wednesday, Feb. 5, with works from local community and B.C. authors in the wake of Canadians becoming more and more aware of their Canadian purchases.
The move was applauded by Vernon author Rick Antonson, co-author of the historic non-fiction book Slumach's Gold, which has spent 15 weeks on the B.C. Books' Best Sellers list since its late 2024 release.
"Her approach today certainly captures the mood shift underway for British Columbian (and Vernon and Canadian) readers 鈥� driven by events all too recent, and seemingly taking hold in purchase patterns and Canadian consumer interests," said Antonson, former president and CEO of Tourism Vancouver.
鈥淲atch for this idea to be replicated across the province by other bookstores, agreeing it鈥檚 an important time for fresh ideas to promote Canada鈥檚 local authors.
鈥淓very local B.C. author is going to feel respected by this support and encouragement. Readers are going to benefit by greater awareness of engaging titles about their home province.鈥�
British Columbians have taken to social media decrying the proposed 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian products by newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump, resulting in a feverish 'buy local' or 'buy Canadian' campaign.
It was announced on Tuesday, Feb. 4, that the tariffs would be paused for up to 30 days after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau agreed to border security measures, implementing a $1.3 billion border security plan that includes reinforcing the border with new helicopters, technology, personnel, and increased resources to stop the flow of the drug fentanyl into the U.S.
