A Calgary Mother-Son Duo Creates an App to Promote Canadian-Made Products

In a heartwarming story of innovation and collaboration, a Calgary mother and son have joined forces to develop a new app aimed at helping Canadians make informed purchasing decisions. Ryan Checora and Cathy Checora, who are both self-taught app designers, launched their AI-powered app, O SCANada, on the App Store on February 3. The app is designed to assist shoppers in identifying products that are made in Canada, fostering a sense of national pride and supporting the local economy.

According to Cathy, the idea for the app came to her suddenly one morning as she was reflecting on the growing desire among Canadians to buy locally made products. This moment of inspiration sparked a shared vision between her and her son Ryan, who then set out to bring this concept to life. The app is free to use and offers a user-friendly interface that allows shoppers to search for products in two convenient ways: by typing the product name into a search bar or by scanning its barcode. Once the product is identified, the app provides detailed information about the manufacturer, the country of origin, and where the product is sold. This feature is particularly useful for consumers who want to support Canadian businesses but may be unsure about the origins of the products they purchase.

The app’s functionality is enhanced by its AI capabilities, which quickly analyze the scanned barcode or entered product name to determine if the item is made in Canada. If the product is not Canadian-made, the app goes a step further by suggesting alternative brands that are produced locally. For example, if a user searches for Pringles potato chips, which are manufactured by the American company Kellogg’s, the app will recommend Canadian brands such as Old Dutch or Humpty Dumpty. These suggestions are accompanied by a message encouraging users to "support the Canadian economy" by choosing local alternatives.

Cathy emphasized the app’s practicality, stating, “If they’re choosing something off the shelf at the store, they can find out on the spot if it’s a Canadian product.” This real-time functionality makes it easier for consumers to make informed decisions while shopping, without needing to rely on guesswork or additional research. The app’s ability to provide immediate feedback is a key feature that sets it apart from other similar tools.

Looking ahead, Ryan and Cathy have ambitious plans to expand the app’s capabilities. They hope to add more products to the database in future updates and are actively working to partner with more local brands and retailers. Ryan explained, “As people are using the app, they might find products that aren’t being suggested to them. We want to give them a platform where they can share those products with us, and we can integrate that information into the app.” This collaborative approach aims to create a dynamic and ever-improving resource for Canadian consumers.

Currently, O SCANada is available for download on the Apple App Store, but the duo is working on an Android version, which is expected to be released soon. The app’s launch has generated significant interest, with many Canadians expressing enthusiasm about the opportunity to support local businesses. Ryan and Cathy’s story is a testament to the power of innovation and the importance of promoting Canadian-made products. Their app not only simplifies the process of identifying locally made goods but also encourages consumers to think critically about their purchasing decisions and their impact on the economy.