Every time you visit a European town, chances are you’re enchanted by the sight (and smell) of local bakeries lining the streets. Fresh croissants in France, hearty bread in Germany, or artisan pastries in Italy – bakeries are an essential part of daily life. But when you come back to a small Canadian town, there’s a stark contrast: the bakery is often missing, replaced by chain grocery stores or large franchises selling mass-produced bread.
Why the difference? Europe’s deep-rooted baking traditions certainly play a role. Many European countries have centuries-old cultural connections to food production, with artisan skills passed down through generations. Local bakeries are not just businesses; they are community institutions. However, culture alone doesn't explain the stark difference. When you dig deeper, it’s clear that structural economic factors are also in play – particularly Canada’s regulatory environment and business landscape. A large part of the answer lies in the significant barriers to entry and anti-competitive policies that make starting small businesses like bakeries much harder in Canada than in Europe.
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