Virtual blue basket

Quebec government initiative promotes shopping local during COVID-19

In an effort to stimulate the economy and keep small businesses above-water during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Quebec government has launched an online platform aimed to promote local shopping. Launched at the start of April, the “Panier Bleu” initiative provides a directory of all (registered) businesses in the province meant to direct citizens towards local businesses to boost their financial activity. Used as a search engine, the tool allows users to locate businesses in different regions and cities to facilitate the local-buying process. However, actual purchases can’t be made through the website.

With all non-essential businesses in the province closed until May 4, the Panier Bleu allows people to see which enterprises remain open during the pandemic and what kind of products they sell by visiting their respective websites. For the Quebec Government, using the Panier Bleu to shop is a great way of showing solidarity and helping the economy at the same time.

In a press release issued on April 5, Quebec Premier François Legault voiced his support for the initiative, expressing that buying local goods is the best way to support local businesses in the short term. “There’s a way of helping our businesses right now,” he said. “It’s buying local. Buying Quebec products, made, distributed and sold by businesses here. It’s time to change our shopping habits … I’m calling on Quebecers to be united with our local entrepreneurs and their employees. We buy local.” Businesses are encouraged to register for the initiative on Panier Bleu’s website - https://lepanierbleu.ca/inscrire-mon-commerce.

People wanting to stay updated with the initiative’s developments can do so by subscribing to Panier Bleu’s mailing list.  Featuring 191 businesses from the Outaouais, as of April 20, a dozen Aylmer-based businesses have registered. 

Those include Toitures Boulet, Bio Horticentre Méritèsme, SOL Natural Foods, La Nomade, l’Entreprise Mazzola, Boulangerie aux Deux Frères, l’Aubergiste, e-Cycliste, Marché Laflamme, Boutique érotique Sensations Plus, Urbanimal pet store, Familiprix Louise Grégoire and Chocolats Favoris. While it’s a bit early to have indicated any significant impact from it, l’Entreprise Mazzola’s owner, Danna Mazzola, believes the initiative provides a positive message. 

She’s hoping that it will get more people to support local businesses like hers and to realize the value of commodities in their backyard. “For sure, it’s going to bring in more people, new clients,” she said. “It will encourage buying local that some people maybe were not doing in the past because it was easier to go to the grocery store and buy something made in the United States or elsewhere. That’s really going to encourage people to appreciate what we have here, what people are doing locally.”