Shop The Maple Leaf: Why Choosing .CA This Holiday Season Makes A Difference

This holiday season, supporting Canadian businesses is as easy as spotting one simple sign—a .CA at the end of a web address. According to new data from the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA), Canadians are four times more likely to click on a .CA than a .com site when shopping online, and three quarters say they’d rather buy from a local business with a .CA domain. From handcrafted jewelry to small-batch gin kits, these digital storefronts are more than URLs—they’re lifelines for homegrown entrepreneurs. We spoke with Adam Eisner, Vice President of .CA & Registry Services at CIRA, about what the .CA really stands for, how it’s powering the “buy local” movement, and why supporting Canadian online businesses has never mattered more. —Noa Nichol

Why is shopping Canadian—especially online—more important than ever this holiday season?

Shopping at Canadian-based retailers and brands this holiday season means every dollar spent fuels our economy and supports local businesses in your own community. Plus, every purchase from a Canadian retailer online supports local jobs and supply chains.  

CIRA’s survey found that Canadians are four times more likely to click a .CA than a .com—why do you think that .CA resonates so strongly with shoppers?

Given the growing momentum around consumers opting to shop local and support homegrown brands, having a .CA domain is the easiest way to know you’re supporting a Canadian business. Another reason it resonates with shoppers is because they know they are getting charged in Canadian dollars and can often expect fast, hassle free shipping with no surprise border, tax or customs fees. 

Beyond supporting the local economy, what are some lesser-known benefits of choosing a business with a .CA domain?

Choosing to support a business with a .CA domain also means supporting communities across Canada. Every .CA registration contributes to CIRA’s Net Good Program, which reinvests funds into initiatives that strengthen Canada’s digital future. We do this through different projects like our partnership with the Cortes Island Community Foundation, which helped build reliable broadband infrastructure to keep essential services like local firehalls and health clinics from being disconnected during outages. So whether you’re registering a .CA domain or shopping online at a .CA, your support goes further than you think! 

CIRA has curated a list of amazing Canadian-owned brands this year—from gin kits to beeswax candles. What are a few standout products or stories that really capture the spirit of Canadian entrepreneurship?

One of my personal favourites is the story behind Bill Major’s business, Live Edged Woodcraft. A retired minister, Bill turned a woodworking project for his wife into a successful business making incredible grazing and charcuterie boards with live edge Ontario hardwood. Beginning by selling his cross-cut creations at local craft shows, he later embraced the opportunities within e-commerce when events were shut down during the pandemic. His products will be sure to impress anyone on your list this holiday season! 

How can Canadians be sure a business is truly local when shopping online? Are there any quick tips or visual cues to look out for?

No tips necessary – just look for businesses with a .CA domain! Anyone registering a .CA must meet the Canadian Presence Requirement, ensuring every .CA website is proudly Canadian and connected to our communities.

How has the “buy local” mindset evolved in recent years, and what role has digital presence—like owning a .CA—played in that shift?

The ‘Buy Local’ message has always been important, but we collectively experienced a shift in this mindset for Canadian shoppers earlier this year, as we all looked to prioritize supporting Canadian businesses first and foremost. It became a real source of national pride and resiliency. 

While it’s easy to identify your neighborhood stores as ‘local’, it can be less obvious online – making a Canadian business’ digital presence more important than ever. Owning a .CA domain is a clear signal to consumers that a business is Canadian and we have seen businesses benefit from the ‘buy local’ moment because they have such an easy identifier. A survey we issued earlier this year found that Canadians are 4x more likely to click on a .CA than a .com website when searching for a product or service online. 

For small business owners or artisans who haven’t yet made the leap online, what advice would you give them about establishing a .CA and connecting with Canadian shoppers?

Although it may seem daunting, taking your business online with a .CA domain is one of the easiest ways to establish trust with Canadians shoppers and it can be set up in a matter of minutes. We have a lot of free online resources like our ultimate guide to starting a business in Canada and tips on how to market your local business that can help you confidently navigate moving your business online and to a .CA domain. 

Many of these featured brands, like Live Edged Woodcraft or The Cocktail Bomb Shop, have inspiring backstories. How does CIRA help amplify these kinds of local success stories?

Through curated gift guides like this one! At CIRA, we want to show our support of homegrown brands and put together gift guides throughout the year that bring attention to our partners with small businesses. Beyond shopping, we also champion unique stories with case studies that shine a light on the incredible innovation and business ventures happening across Canada.

With so many Canadians eager to shop more sustainably and ethically, how does supporting .CA businesses align with those values?

Supporting .CA businesses is a simple way to shop sustainably and ethically since it keeps money, jobs and production right here in our country, while also reducing long-distance shipping and carbon emissions – it’s a win-win!  

What’s your personal favourite pick from this year’s CIRA gift guide—and why?

For me, it has to be the Ginius GinKit. I love a good gin-based drink and this kit lets you craft your own, personalized spirit right at home that’s ready in just 36 hours. It’s perfect for the holidays because you can serve something memorable for your guests that also acts as a conversation starter!