What Sudbury’s ‘Buy Canadian’ policy means for local businesses like ours

May 2, 2025

The City of Greater Sudbury has unanimously passed a new ‘Buy Canadian’ policy in the wake of the American tariffs. This decision supported across council without a single dissenting vote reflects a growing commitment to economic sovereignty, supply chain resilience, and local investment. 

At The Reliable Group, this policy reinforces a core belief that has guided our operations for over 70 years: Canadian-made solutions aren’t just competitive they’re essential for sustainable growth and community development. 

 We’ve been buying (and building) Canadian since the beginning 

The Reliable Group consists of three specialized divisions, each committed to local sourcing, community employment, and dependable service across Ontario:

 Reliable Cleaning Services (RCS) 

RCS provides professional cleaning services across healthcare, education, industrial, and municipal facilities. Our team of over 400 trained staff delivers consistent, high-quality service across Northern Ontario. We use locally sourced supplies, real-time workforce tracking, and compliance-focused operations all while creating long-term employment in the communities we serve. 

 Reliable Maintenance Products (RMP) 

RMP is our janitorial and sanitation (Jan-San) supply division, distributing everything from paper products and liners to vacuums, dispensers, and eco-friendly cleaning chemicals. We source over 90% of our products from Canadian vendors, ensuring cost efficiency, supply security, and alignment with Canadian safety and environmental standards. 

Reliable Industrial Supply (RIS) 

RIS is the chemical manufacturing division of The Reliable Group and far more than just a cleaning product manufacturer. RIS specializes in custom chemical blending for critical sectors including mining, pulp & paper, water treatment, and food & beverage. 

From tunnel wash and degreasers to water treatment additives and specialty chemicals, RIS produces high-performance chemical solutions tailored to each client’s technical requirements. It also manufactures cleaning and maintenance chemicals for RMP, enabling full control over formulation, packaging, and quality. 

All RIS products are manufactured in Ontario, offering faster turnaround times, full regulatory compliance, and unmatched local expertise. 


Why buying Canadian matters more than ever 

Sudbury’s policy is timely, but the message is timeless: local spending drives long-term resilience. When institutions and businesses prioritize Canadian suppliers, they gain: 

  • Economic strength: Supporting local manufacturers and job creation in our own communities. 
  • Supply chain security: Reducing dependency on global imports vulnerable to tariffs and delays. 
  • Regulatory confidence: Meeting Canadian compliance standards with locally developed products. 
  • Environmental responsibility: Minimizing transport emissions and supporting green-certified practices. 
  • Shared values: Partnering with companies that are accountable, transparent, and community-driven. 

 These are the values that define The Reliable Group. Every client we serve benefits from our commitment to local production, Canadian procurement, and operational excellence. 

We applaud the City of Greater Sudbury for this forward-thinking step. Now, the real opportunity lies with businesses, institutions, and community leaders who choose to make buying Canadian a guiding principle, not just a policy. 

Ask yourself: “Are we truly maximizing our use of Canadian-made products and services?” 

At The Reliable Group, we’re ready to help you explore the answer, whether it’s sourcing custom industrial chemicals, selecting Canadian-made cleaning supplies, or contracting reliable janitorial service partners. 

📞 Let’s connect. Our team can help you align your purchasing with your values and demonstrate how investing in Canadian solutions drives better results, better service, and a stronger local economy. 

May 22, 2025
This World Product Day, we spotlight the breadth and brilliance of the products that define The Reliable Group.