Ontario Premier Doug Ford has issued a direct appeal to Canadians, urging them to support local shops and businesses on the final shopping day before Christmas. In a video message released on December 24, 2025, the Premier emphasized the critical role community spending plays in strengthening local economies.
A Festive Push for Community Support
The video, shared via the official @fordnation account on social media platform X, features Premier Ford in a festive setting. In a light-hearted moment, he is seen sampling an assortment of Canadian-made desserts, highlighting the quality and variety of products available from domestic producers and retailers. The core of his message was a clear call to action for residents to consider their local stores as they complete their holiday shopping.
The timing of the plea is strategic, targeting the last-minute rush that characterizes Christmas Eve. With many consumers still finalizing purchases, Ford's campaign aims to redirect a portion of that spending toward independent shops, artisans, and small businesses that form the backbone of communities across Ontario and Canada.
The Broader Context of Holiday Spending
This advocacy for local commerce comes amid reports that Canadians are opening their wallets wider this holiday season. The push to "shop local" has been a recurring theme for many levels of government and community groups, especially following economic challenges in recent years. Supporting neighbourhood businesses helps keep money circulating within the community, supports local jobs, and preserves the unique character of town centres.
Ford's video adds a prominent political voice to this movement during the most crucial retail period of the year. The visual of the Premier enjoying Canadian treats serves to personally endorse the value and appeal of choosing domestic options over large, multinational chains or online giants.
Why Local Shopping Matters
Economists and community advocates often stress that money spent at local businesses has a multiplied effect. It goes beyond a single transaction, contributing to local employment, funding municipal services through property taxes, and fostering entrepreneurship. During the holiday season, this support can be the difference between a profitable year and a struggling one for many small shop owners.
By choosing to release this message on December 24th, Premier Ford targets the peak of the holiday shopping rush, hoping to influence real-time consumer decisions. The call aligns with a growing consumer consciousness about the origin of products and a desire to contribute positively to one's own community, especially during a season focused on giving and goodwill.
While the video is a promotional tool, its underlying message taps into a significant economic and social trend. As Canadians head out for their final holiday purchases, the Premier's reminder offers a nudge to consider the profound impact that choosing a local store can have on the fabric of their own cities and towns.
