The "Buy Canadian" movement is taking off gaining momentum. This movement has been gaining traction across the country, urging Canadians to support local businesses and buy Canadian-made products. Tensions over trade with the United States and the possibility of tariffs on Canadian exports have prompted the movement. This has encouraged many Canadians to cheer for domestic businesses and products like never before. One of the standout success stories from this movement is the "Made in Canada" Facebook page! I became a part of this Facebook group at the end of January, when there were 138,000 members. Since then, the membership has grown to an incredible 1,100,000! The platform has grown into a thriving marketplace for all things Canadian, from food and drink to apparel and home goods. It's a wonderful resource for anyone wanting to make more thoughtful purchasing choices. The remarkable growth of this Facebook page shows how Canadians are becoming more aware and committed to supporting their own economy. It also showcases the ability of social media to bring communities together and inspire positive change. With more people getting involved, we can expect a stronger and more resilient Canadian economy that will help both businesses and consumers. Check out these helpful tips for purchasing Canadian products: Keep an eye out for the "Made in Canada" or "Product of Canada" label! Take a look at product labels and packaging for the "Made in Canada" or "Product of Canada" mark. A "Made in Canada" label shows that at least 98% of the total direct costs involved in producing the product come from Canada. The "Product of Canada" lable means at least 51% of the product's direct costs are Canadian, and it was last processed in Canada. Explore Local Markets: Check out farmers' markets and local craft fairs to discover unique, locally-made treasures. Support Local Businesses: By choosing to shop at Canadian-owned stores, whether online or in-person. Explore Brands: Spend some time getting to know brands and companies to learn about their backgrounds and how they make their products. Join Online Communities: Check out social media pages like the "Made in Canada" Facebook page to keep up with Canadian products and show your support for local businesses! Shopping Online: When shopping online, consider checking out Canadian suppliers and e-commerce sites that focus on Canadian-made products. As we navigate these challenging times, it is more important than ever to support our local businesses and the "Buy Canadian" movement. By purchasing Canadian-made products, we can help strengthen our economy and create jobs. Together, we can make a significant impact and build a stronger, more resilient economy by supporting local businesses and choosing Canadian-made products whenever possible. Gull Lake Events Tompkins Annual Steak & Lobster https://www.wix.app/events/84d5704b-be4d-4055-9e56-b8cce5997dbb/03a7cee8-2fd3-4243-bd1d-5bff6be3d61e/details?d=https://www.gulllakeevents.online/event-details-registration/tompkins-annual-steak-lobster

Property Development Cooperatives (PDCs) can bring new businesses and services to small towns, make life better for everyone, promote affordable housing, protect cultural heritage, boost community spirit, promote sustainability, and provide communities access to funding and resources. One very important benefit of PDCs is that they can help fix the problem of empty commercial spaces in the downtown areas of small towns. Empty businesses can cause economic stagnation and a decrease in community morale. By creating projects that bring in new businesses and services, PDCs can turn these empty spaces into thriving businesses. This not only gives people jobs and revenue for the community, but it also brings life back to downtown, making it a great place for both locals and tourists. PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT COOPERATIVE | TOMORROW (Wednesday, Feb. 12th) Join the PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT COOPERATIVE committee on Wednesday, February 12th at 6pm at the Gull Lake Elk’s Hall to learn more about the Gull Lake Property Development Cooperative, our first development opportunity, and how your investment can benefit not just our community, but you, too. This open meeting is directed at all community members as an opportunity to bring more business, beautify downtown, and invest locally. What to Expect: • Learn about the project feasibility • Understand Project Scope • Understand Investment options and Return on Investment • View Renderings, Draft Drawings, Project Estimates, and more You can tour the building before the meeting on Wednesday, Feb 12 from 5-6pm, and then head over to the Elk’s Hall at 6pm for the presentation. The Importance of the Project The Importance of the Project This project is an important step toward strengthening the local economy, preserving historic buildings and involving citizens in decision-making. The Old Pharmacy in Gull Lake has been abandoned for many years. By restoring this historic building into a flourishing commercial space and improving the downtown area, we can revitalize our community and make it more vibrant and attractive to everyone. Gull Lake Events .

Here's an amazing opportunity for you to support the Tompkins Library and get ready for the gardening season! This year, they're offering a variety of high-quality seeds for your vegetable and flower gardens, and for the first time, a selection of spices for all your cooking and baking needs. Program Dates: February 1, 2025 – March 14, 2025 About Make it Sow: Make it Sow provides only the highest quality seeds and stands behind its products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Their seeds are non-GMO and germination-tested, ensuring they thrive in Canadian climates. Ordering Options: 1. In-Person Ordering (Available for both seeds and spices): • Use the attached brochures to browse the available seeds and spices. • Fill out the order form attached to this letter along with your payment (cash, cheque payable to Tompkins Library, or e-transfer to tompkinslibrary.lb@outlook.com. • Submit your orders in person to Tompkins Library no later than March 14, 2025. 2. Online Ordering (Available for seeds only): • Visit Make it Sow Online Shop and use the entry code: TLIB_2025. • Submit your online orders no later than March 14, 2025. As a special bonus, Make It Sow will plant one tree in Canada for every ten packages sold, providing a certificate for your contribution to the environment. For any questions, please contact the Library: • Phone: 306-622-2255 • After hours: 306-671-7401 Support Tompkins Library and enjoy a fruitful gardening season! Source: Chinook Regional Library Tompkins Branch  Experience Romance and Rhythm at Tompkins Hall: The Fugitives and Travelling Dancers Take the Stage! https://www.wix.app/events/84d5704b-be4d-4055-9e56-b8cce5997dbb/ae57e154-8f77-45a4-82c4-d1e9bf4e7b9d/details?d=https://www.gulllakeevents.online/event-details-registration/experience-romance-and-rhythm-at-tompkins-hall-the-fugitives-and-travelling-dancers-take-the-stage