The Nova Scotia government has announced an expansion of its Nova Scotia Loyal program, aimed at facilitating local shopping for pet owners in the province. This initiative allows residents to easily identify and support local products for their pets.

One of the key developments in this program is the partnership with Pet Valu, a well-known retailer that has entered the Nova Scotia Loyal initiative. As a result of this collaboration, locally made pet products will now be clearly labeled on display shelves in Pet Valu stores, allowing customers to make informed purchases.

There are currently 37 Pet Valu locations throughout Nova Scotia. The Growth and Development Minister, Colton LeBlanc, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that it will enable residents to choose from a variety of products manufactured within the province. This move not only supports local economies but also ensures that consumers have access to high-quality pet products made in Nova Scotia.

In total, there are more than a dozen registered Nova Scotia Loyal businesses that specialize in producing a range of pet products, including food, treats, apparel, and various accessories. This broad selection will provide pet owners with ample options while encouraging them to shop locally.

Greg Ramier, the president and chief operating officer of Pet Valu, expressed the company's commitment to supporting local brands and businesses. He highlighted that as a Canadian company with 37 locally owned and operated stores in Nova Scotia, Pet Valu is dedicated to showcasing authentic Nova Scotian products. The integration of the Nova Scotia Loyal program simplifies the process for passionate pet lovers, allowing them to easily locate and purchase quality pet products made in their own province.

The Nova Scotia Loyal program currently boasts over a thousand registered businesses. It has also launched an initiative to distribute vouchers for farmers’ markets to more than 215,000 students and new residents across the province this year. This effort further emphasizes the government's commitment to promoting local commerce and enhancing the community's support for local producers.