Canada is a country blessed with abundant resources—oil, natural gas, uranium, nickel, aluminum, fresh water, lumber, you name it. We’ve got more than we need, which is why we trade with international partners. Our population is relatively small, and while we’re rich in natural bounty, we need trade to get value for our resources that we can’t consume ourselves.

Because of our population size, we simply don’t have the manufacturing scale or specialized technology to produce everything on our own. If we didn’t trade, we’d be resource rich and lifestyle poor. The reality is that decades of investment and expertise in other countries has given us the technology, goods and lifestyle we rely on every day. And Canada’s investment in extracting, replenishing, exporting and transporting those natural resources is what our Economy is largely based on. We’re an International leader in supplying countries the resources to make the stuff we need and use. This actually what makes Canada, Canada. 

At Pure Muskoka, every decision is a love letter to Muskoka and Canada. We’re a small, family-run business, fully committed to quality, community, and supporting our local economy. We’ve invested in our hometown with a full garment finishing and printing facility where our Canadian team handles every design, print, tag, and embellishment. Our products are steeped in local pride and authenticity. But when it comes to sourcing premium textiles, our commitment to quality sometimes means partnering with trusted suppliers beyond our borders. It’s a necessary trade-off to keep our products exceptional and our prices fair at the scale that keeps our business thriving.

We choose Canadian-made products first when possible, if they meet our sky-high standards, because quality always comes first. However, producing everything entirely in Canada isn’t always viable—it often means inferior quality (at scale), longer lead times and higher costs that our customers might not be willing to support. While there are some who’d pay a premium for every single component to be local, insisting on a 100% "Made in Canada" model can inadvertently harm the very businesses you’re trying to help. It forces companies, like ours,  into corners where we must compromise on quality or price, ultimately undercutting our ability to compete and thrive.

The real conversation should be about supporting Canadian-led companies—businesses that reinvest in our communities, uphold Canadian values, and contribute to our local and national economy. Yes, some parts of our products are sourced globally, but every item is finished with care by our local team, ensuring it carries the Pure Muskoka quality and spirit. And this approach isn’t unique to us—it’s a model that  Canadian businesses use to remain competitive while staying true to their roots.

Consider Tim Hortons: they don’t grow their own coffee beans in Canada, yet they became an iconic Canadian Business based on a product that isn’t even grown in Canada. The focus shouldn’t be solely on the “Made in” label, but on the heart, ethics, and vision of the company. Ask yourself: Does this brand invest in Canada? Does it support local jobs? Does it stand for something bigger than just a product?