Buying local helps create jobs in regions: Quebec small businesses
Posted December 15, 2025 9:44 am.
Last Updated December 15, 2025 10:02 am.
Eight-eight per cent of small businesses (SME) in Quebec say that supporting local businesses helps to create and maintain employment in the regions, according to a survey by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).
In a press release Monday, CFIB, called on consumers to buy locally instead of using online retailers for last-minute shopping ahead of the holidays.
“Every dollar spent at a small retailer means $0.66 stays in our economy, compared to only $0.08 when spent at a web giant,” said François Vincent, CFIB vice president for Quebec.
More than half of SME owners have seen an increase in local purchases over the past year, according to CFIB, which represents 22,000 SMEs in Quebec.
“The wave of local purchasing seems to be finally taking hold. This is excellent news! But we must continue. For our holiday shopping, let’s support local businesses and make it a resolution for 2026. Shopping locally means investing in our economy and our future,” said Vincent.
The December survey also showed that for nearly three in five SMEs, half of their revenue comes from people buying locally, while 82 per cent said that local customers were essential for their profitability.
“Money circulates: your transaction allows the cashier to buy a coffee, the waitress to do her shopping, the butcher to sign his son up for hockey, and the ice resurfacer to go snowmobiling. It’s an endless cycle!” according to one retail business owner.
