Harpinder Brar, a business owner operating gas stations and grocery stores across Saskatchewan and Manitoba, is drawing attention to the challenges faced by local retailers and essential service providers in Canada. She emphasizes that the public often underestimates the daily demands of running such businesses, from inventory management and staffing to rising operational costs.
According to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, small businesses represent over 98 percent of all employer businesses in Canada, employing more than 10 million people. However, many operators face increasing expenses tied to fuel, transportation, inventory, and utilities. Retail industry data shows that over half of small business owners work more than 50 hours per week, and independent retailers continue to see year-over-year cost increases. Repeat customers remain a key factor in long-term stability, and local spending helps circulate money back into regional economies.
Brar stresses that consistency and accountability are vital for sustainable operations. "You have to be present," she says. "If you ignore things, they fall apart." She believes many people only see the customer-facing side of a business, not the planning, staffing, and problem-solving that happen behind the scenes.
To support local businesses, Brar encourages practical, everyday actions rather than large-scale campaigns. She suggests supporting local businesses regularly, treating frontline workers with patience and respect, leaving honest positive reviews, and recognizing the pressures small operators face. "You don't have to do something dramatic," Brar says. "Small actions matter more than people realise."
Brar, who built her career through discipline and hands-on management, advocates for long-term stability through structure and accountability. "If you keep showing up and handling responsibilities properly, the business becomes stronger over time," she says. She encourages individuals to make intentional local choices and share these conversations within their communities.
