As a member of the Ontario Landowners Association, I frequently get calls from people who want to help save our domestic food industry but don't know how.

The answer is surprisingly simple--and it's something every Canadian can do.  

First, realize how much power you actually have in this situation. Unlike many other countries, our government was created to reflect the will of the majority of its citizens.

We, the people, are the government and the politicians that we elect work for us. If we want change in our country, we need to pressure our elected representatives to create that change. And we can do it.

When the Ontario government tried to sell off Ontario Hydro--our crown corporation--to foreign interests, we stopped this from happening by sticking together and saying "No."  

And this type of determination is what will save our Canadian food industry. Currently, over 51 per cent of what we eat is imported from other countries, despite the fact that we can - and do - grow most of this food right here.

Simply put, reaching for imports robs Canadians of jobs, undermines our home industries and makes us overly dependent on other countries.

It's time to develop a superior attitude about Canadian products. When politicians are running for election and are trying to get your vote, ask them what they will do to support Canadian businesses.

If they dodge the question, keep asking until you get an answer. Tell them that supporting Canadian industries is one of your top priorities, and you expect it to be one of theirs.

And you can do more. When you go into stores, ask where they stock their local produce and other Canadian-made products. If all you can find are imports, speak to the manager and tell them you want to buy Canadian, instead. Boycott stores that import food from other countries instead of supporting our own businesses.

We live in the best country in the world.  It's time to take pride in what we produce.