Two years ago when my girlfriend and I were preparing for a trip to Iceland, we decided to check out MEC for outerwear when they were still located on King West. Although I appreciated the conversation and advice we had with a staff member, I couldn't justify the price points for their rain/shell jackets and fleece layering. None of the suggestions were even MEC branded. I ended up buying 2 outer jackets eventually, one from Sporting Life and the other at Sport Chek (on sale), while picking up a fleece inner layer sweater at Uniqlo.
I buy my winter gear at Eddie Bauer and more often now LL Bean. Last November I was in
Ballyvaughan, Ireland climbing the burren and after looking at hiking shoes at MEC, I bought these at
EB for about 50% cheaper than anything at MEC. The EB boots are leather, none of these polyester-mesh things, and waterproof. I paid CAD $130 on sale, and they are by far the most comfortable hiking shoe I have ever owned, I wear them pretty much as walkers everywhere. I also wanted something low but totally waterproof for those slushy days walking the dog, and MEC was way too expensive, so I bought
these at LL Bean, and love them. IDK if they make them like they used to, but my Eddie Bauer winter parka has seen 20 winters now, and still looks new and kept me warm whilst living in Fredericton for three years. MEC is like Canadian Tire, you go in there with the best expectations of getting what you need, but always leave frustratingly disappointed.
I don't believe MEC sells any made in Canada footwear,
https://cansumer.ca/boot-brands-canada/ My winter boots are
made in Canada Sorels (IDK if they still make them here) and my motorcycle boots are from
Boulet in Quebec. If MEC is just another retailer selling made in Asia stuff, you might as well shop online or elsewhere. There is Mountain Warehouse, which is also a co-op,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_Warehouse