Full podcast: https://lovethenorth.ca/article/261010-ward-eddie-astgen-sudbury-tax When you spend $100 at a locally owned business, how much of that money stays in your community? In this episode of Love the North, Ward 9 candidate Eddie Astgen discusses why supporting local businesses is essential to building a stronger Greater Sudbury economy. Astgen references figures suggesting that approximately 66 cents of every dollar spent at an independent local business stays in the community, compared with just 11 cents at a large multinational corporation. That difference can mean more money circulating through local wages, suppliers, services, and neighbourhood businesses. Astgen shares the example of Andrew's Independent in Coniston, highlighting how local businesses contribute to community events, support neighbourhood initiatives, and give back to the people who support them. These are the businesses that sponsor youth sports, donate to charities, create jobs, and help smaller communities thrive. But supporting local businesses isn't just the responsibility of consumers. Astgen believes Greater Sudbury should also examine how municipal policies, incentives, and unnecessary red tape affect entrepreneurs trying to establish or expand their businesses. He raises an important question about Northern Ontario's economy: With so much wealth generated through our natural resources, how can we ensure more of that prosperity stays within our communities? Every purchasing decision presents an opportunity to strengthen the local economy. The next time you shop, ask yourself: Could my money make a bigger difference by supporting a local business? Watch the full conversation with Eddie Astgen on Love the North. #LoveTheNorth #EddieAstgen #Ward9 #GreaterSudbury #ShopLocal #SupportLocal #NorthernOntario #LocalEconomy