Domestic Manufacturing: Fashion’s Ethical Future in Canada
Canadian fashion that has been domestically manufactured often has higher quality than mass-produced fashion sourced in a different country. This is because of the workplace standards and manufacturing processes set in place in Canada as opposed to countries overseas. Domestic manufacturing creates safe and ethical working conditions for their employees, leading to fashion that is not only higher quality but also boosts living the local economy.
What is Domestic Manufacturing?
Domestic manufacturing produces goods within the country that they are sold in. It is also where the company is headquartered. As opposed to overseas manufacturing, domestic goods lower the cost of shipping. They also boost the local economy by hiring residents within their own country.
In the fashion industry, domestic manufacturing tends to mean better quality clothing. Overseas factories can be notorious for overworking and underpaying their employees in unsafe working conditions. In Canada, domestic manufacturers are provided with livable wages and safe conditions that lead to more care put into the clothing.
Domestically manufactured fashion gives back to the local community in which it sells its goods. For example, during the pandemic, Oliberté switched to manufacturing disposable face masks to help beat the curve. By doing so, we also maintained jobs for Canadians, which also helped boost the economy. Our decision led to shipping and placing orders for over 8 million masks in less than 20 days.
History of Domestic Manufacturing in Canada
Canada has a proud history of manufacturing its own products across several industries. Even before WWI, the Canadian Manufacturers’ Association encouraged consumers to buy products labeled “Made in Canada” to support the Canadian economy.
Made in Canada inventions span through generations and a multitude of different industries. Electric wheelchairs, telephones, and zippers were all made in Canada. The more prosperous Canada becomes, the more opportunities there are for economic and societal growth. Domestic manufacturers who boost the economy are helping raise standards for housing, government, and education.
Domestic vs. International Manufacturing
Why is supporting domestic manufacturing so important? First and foremost, supporting local businesses boosts the economy of the area in which you live. Local manufacturers create local jobs, costs of shipping are reduced, and companies have the opportunity to give back to their community.
Improving the Future of Canadian Manufacturing
Even with the pandemic, the future of Canada’s overall domestic manufacturing has continued to show promising growth. Currently, domestic manufacturing in Canada accounts for 1.7 million full-time jobs across the country.
In 2020, Canada’s fashion manufacturing industry was worth 1.77 billion dollars. With more opportunities continuing to grow, Canada will foster a new drive for innovation within domestic manufacturing. Improving Canada’s future works by demanding a higher quality of consumer goods and job opportunities.
How to Support Domestic Apparel Manufacturing
The best way to support domestic apparel manufacturing is by buying their products. Without consumers, companies cannot exist. There are plenty of domestic fashion manufacturers to give you a variety of styles to choose from.
Encourage others to buy locally sourced fashion as well. Speaking positively about a local business can have a significant impact on their sales. Showing off their products can help even more.
Here are a few ideas of how to support local brands:
- Buy their products.
- Communicate with local companies through social media.
- Tell others about local Canadian fashion brands.
- Write an online review.
- Encourage friends or family to apply for open positions at local companies.
- Attend or support local company-sponsored events.
By supporting local brands like Oliberté, you are creating higher standards for manufacturers. The demand for higher-quality goods will go up, which will eventually help lower the cost of producing them.
How Domestic Manufacturing Gives Back
Domestic manufacturers have the ability to give back to the community that they work in. Oliberté is one example of a domestic manufacturer standing up to the challenges that faced the community.
During the pandemic, we dedicated our company and our staff to help beat the COVID curve. To do this, we switched to delivering masks to our communities.
Manufacturing masks gave our employees opportunity during COVID. Our employees were able to work through the pandemic when so many people were at risk of long-term unemployment. In turn, this pumped money back into Canada’s economy.
Domestic manufacturers provide jobs for members of their community. With growing opportunities, the standard of living in that area increases.
