Canadian Vegan on An Island in the Time of Tariffs

 

So, you are a Canadian vegan and live on an island during the Time of Tariffs? Fear not! (Firefly generated image)

Living as a vegan family on Vancouver Island while prioritizing local and Canadian-grown food is certainly a challenge, especially considering that only about 6% of the Island’s food is produced locally.  We live midway up the Island, off the East coastal side, in the Comox Valley.

The current tariffs on Canadian goods add another layer of difficulty, making it even more essential to support regional businesses and producers. However, there are a growing number of initiatives and brands that help meet this challenge.

Local Vegan-Friendly Brands & Stores on Vancouver Island

Wanting to continue to eat organic and vegan and, if possible, Canadian or even locally-produced, means reading a lot of labels and probably shopping a little more expensively than before (or a lot more).  Thrifty's, Edible Island, Superstore, and occasionally, Quality Foods, carry some greenhouse produce from Vancouver, and sometimes there are Vancouver Island-based vegan-friendly brands such as:

• Gathering Place Trading (Cortes Island) – Organic spices, teas, and herbs sourced with ethical practices.
• Hornby Organic Energy Bars (Hornby Island) Energy bars
• Eatmore Sprouts (Courtenay) Super Simple. Super Healthy.
• Clever Crow Farm (Black Creek) Spice Mixes, Restaurant, Greens in season

One helpful resource is Island Good, a certification program that highlights products grown and made in the Vancouver Island region. This initiative allows shoppers to easily identify local goods in stores and markets, supporting Island-based farmers and producers.  I do find that they are lacking on the independent health food store listings, like Courtenay's *Edible Island* or Cumberland's *Seeds*. There was also only one restaurant listed. 

Canadian Organic & Vegan-Friendly Products

Many organic vegan products are grown or processed in Canada, though some may contain ingredients sourced from outside the country. Here are some Canadian brands to look for:

• Three Farmers (Saskatchewan) – Roasted chickpeas, lentils, and camelina oil .
• Fresh Start Fauxmage (PEI) – Vegan cashew and almond cheeses .
• Going Nuts (Alberta) – Handmade granolas, nut butters, and energy bars .
• One Degree Organic Foods- (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Global)
• Little Northern Bakehouse – Gluten-free and vegan bread, available in some Island stores.
• BobAli Foods (Vancouver) – Vegan hummus, tapenade, and pesto, found at farmers' markets across BC 
• Silver Hills Bakery (Abbotsford, BC)- Vegan, sprouted breads, buns, and other baking products.
• One Degree Organic Foods (Abbotsford, BC) Sprouted Rolled Oats, and many other products.

Resources for Finding Local & Organic Vegan Food

For those seeking more information on locally sourced and organic vegan food, here are some useful resources:

• Comox Valley Farmers Market- Saturday throughtout the year in Courtenay, and Sunday, seasonal, at Cumberland.
• LUSH Valley Food Action Society- Community-involved and services with innovative programming, advocacy and events; the Good Food box that contains up to 85% of local farms-fresh produce. Office located in Courtenay, serving the ComoxValley.
• Vancouver Island Vegan Association – Local vegan events, businesses, and advocacy.
• Certified Organic Associations of BC – A directory of certified organic farms in British Columbia.
• Made in Canada Directory – A listing of Canadian-made vegan and organic products.
• Comox Valley Vegans on Facebook.
• Books:PlantYou: Scrappy Cooking: 140+.Plant-Based Zero-Waste Recipes That Are Good ForYou, Your Wallet, and the Planet by Carleigh Bodrug. A Canadian cook-author helping you to to get the best bang for your buck for your organic veggies.
• Canadian Organic Gardening Books: The Zero Mile Diet: A Year-Round Guide to Growing Organic Food by Carolyn Herriot (Vancouver Island-based writing) Also a matching cookbook.
• Food Security for the Faint of Heart: Simple Techniques for Securing Your Food Supply in an Insecure World by Robin Wheeler A West Coast perspective on food security and what to grow.
• Edible Garden Weeds of Canada an old book of my parents (still listed on Amazon.ca) along with a library of other books on foraging,etc. 
• Disclosure: the books listed above are linked to the Amazon.ca associate program. If you purchase using these links you support us through a small referral fee from Amazon. Thanks for your support! There are no additional costs to you.

While challenges remain in sourcing local organic vegan food year-round on Vancouver Island, supporting local initiatives, businesses, and Canadian-made products can help reduce reliance on imported goods and build a more sustainable food system. 

Would you like recommendations on specific products or meal planning ideas based on these local and Canadian ingredients?

20 Tips to Regain Confidence When Returning to Work After a Hospital Stay

 

 Returning to work after a hospital stay can feel overwhelming. These 20 tips will help rebuild confidence and ease your transition. Image generated by Adobe Firefly.

Returning to work after a hospital stay can feel overwhelming. You may feel out of the loop, physically drained, or worried about whether you can keep up. It’s natural to feel like you’re starting over, but the good news is that confidence can be rebuilt. Here are 20 practical, conversation-based strategies to help ease your transition back to work.

1. Catch Up with Colleagues

Start by having casual chats with coworkers. Ask about workplace updates, projects, or even their personal lives. This helps you reconnect socially and ease back in without pressure.

2. Seek Out a Work Buddy

Find someone who can fill you in on what’s changed while you were away. Having a go-to person for updates reduces the feeling of being lost.

3. Have a One-on-One with Your Manager

A private conversation with your supervisor can help clarify expectations, ease concerns, and establish a supportive plan for your return.

4. Set Realistic Goals

Break tasks into small, achievable steps. Instead of diving in full force, ease back in at a comfortable pace.

5. Share Your Experience (If Comfortable)

Talking about your time away, even in a general way, can help clear the air. It may also build connections with colleagues who have had similar experiences.

6. Focus on What You’re Good At

Confidence grows when you remind yourself of your strengths. Start with familiar tasks to rebuild a sense of competence.

7. Accept Help

Let go of any pride that makes you resist assistance. Colleagues are often happy to help, and accepting support doesn’t mean you’re weak.

8. Practice Self-Compassion

It’s okay if you’re not at 100% right away. Speak to yourself with kindness, just as you would encourage a friend in your position.

9. Ease Back with a Flexible Schedule

If possible, discuss a phased return or lighter workload while you regain your footing.

10. Rebuild Social Confidence First

Before diving into work tasks, focus on casual conversations. This helps break the ice and makes the work environment feel more familiar.

11. Ask Questions Without Apology

If you need clarification on something, just ask. Most people respect honesty and are happy to help.

12. Reflect on Past Successes

Think back to other times you’ve faced challenges and remind yourself how you overcame them. This perspective shift can boost your confidence.

13. Prepare for Meetings

If speaking up in meetings feels intimidating, prepare in advance. Jot down a few points to contribute so you feel more engaged.

14. Find Humor in the Process

Laughter can break tension. If you make a mistake or feel awkward, smile and move on. Everyone has those moments.

15. Use Positive Self-Talk

Replace thoughts like “I don’t know what I’m doing” with “I’m learning, and I’ll get there.” The way you speak to yourself matters.

16. Schedule Regular Check-Ins

Have weekly chats with a mentor, boss, or friend to reflect on progress and get encouragement.

17. Focus on What You Can Control

Instead of worrying about how others see you, focus on what you can do each day to feel productive and accomplished.

18. Set Small Wins Each Day

Accomplish at least one concrete task each day. Completing small goals helps build momentum.

19. Remember That Adjustment Takes Time

Confidence doesn’t come back overnight. Give yourself grace and know that each day is a step forward.

20. Celebrate Your Progress

Acknowledge your effort, even if it feels slow. Returning to work after an illness or injury is an achievement in itself.

Returning to work after a hospital stay can feel like a fresh start, but that doesn’t mean you’re starting from scratch. By focusing on connection, setting realistic goals, and giving yourself time, you’ll find your confidence returning faster than you think. One conversation at a time, you’ve got this!

Additional Resources for you to explore:

Here are some books that people have found helpful over time in dealing with re-entering the workplace after a period of absence:

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg – Though aimed at women, this book provides universal insights on overcoming self-doubt and stepping back into the workforce with confidence.

Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy by Sheryl Sandberg & Adam Grant – A powerful book about overcoming setbacks, including health challenges, and regaining confidence in life and work.

What Color Is Your Parachute? by Richard N. Bolles – A classic career guide that helps individuals reassess their skills and build confidence when transitioning back into the workforce.

Here is a guided meditation on youtube for working on feeling confident again. There are other meditations there as well. This one is about 15 minutes long.

The following are some hilarious and/or inspiring movies about adults returning to work after time away:

Hilarious & Heartwarming:

The Intern (2015) – A retired widower (Robert De Niro) becomes an intern at a modern fashion startup, proving that experience and adaptability never go out of style.

Nine to Five (1980) – A classic comedy where three women (Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton) take on their terrible boss, dealing with workplace challenges in an empowering and hilarious way.

Baby Boom (1987) – A high-powered career woman (Diane Keaton) unexpectedly inherits a baby, takes time away from her job, and then reinvents herself as an entrepreneur.

The Devil Wears Prada (2006) – While not about returning to work, it humorously explores workplace culture and regaining confidence in a tough environment.

Second Act (2018) – Jennifer Lopez plays a woman who gets a second shot at a corporate career after embellishing her résumé, leading to comedic and heartfelt moments.

Inspiring & Uplifting:

Jerry Maguire (1996) – A sports agent (Tom Cruise) reinvents himself after being fired, proving that personal values and confidence can lead to success.

Erin Brockovich (2000) – A single mother (Julia Roberts) re-enters the workforce and takes on a groundbreaking legal battle, showcasing resilience and determination.

Julie & Julia (2009) – A woman (Amy Adams) turns her career slump into a passion project, reigniting confidence through cooking and blogging.

The Company Men (2010) – A group of executives navigate layoffs and rediscover their purpose in the workforce.

Larry Crowne (2011) – A middle-aged man (Tom Hanks) is laid off and goes back to school, reinventing himself and finding new opportunities.

Disclosure: Some of the above resources are linked to Amazon and should you make a purchase through this page, we will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support. (No added cost to you for this referral).

This page is edited with the use of A.I.