The message outside Burton Goods' southeast Calgary business is loud and clear: Don't buy anything from the United States; buy Canadian if you want to make Canada even greater.

Goods said he put that up two months ago, and so far the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

This sign now sits on the front lawn of his business, Custom Craft Press Ltd, which makes signs and menu covers for restaurants and hotels. (Colleen Underwood/CBC)

"People come in, they shake my hand, they laugh and they say, 'Thank God you've done something like this. We really appreciate it,'" he said.

Goods said the idea sprung during the U.S. presidential election last year. He says he was upset by many aspects of Donald Trump's campaign, including some of the comments Trump made about women.

Then, Goods says, once Trump took office, Goods got tired of seeing the slogan "Make America Great Again," and of hearing the president's protectionist talk.

"[Trump] wants to come in and play around with our softwood lumber and everything else, and the oil. We don't need it. Let's stick to Canadian."

So that prompted Goods to design the 1.2 x 2.4-metre sign that now sits on the front lawn of his business, Custom Craft Press Ltd, which makes signs and menu covers for restaurants and hotels.

Mixed reactions

On one side there's an image of Donald Trump pointing his finger. Below that is a picture of a dog defecating.

On the other side is a picture of Hillary Clinton smiling, and underneath her is a bouquet of red roses. The buy Canadian message is sandwiched between those pictures.

And while he said he's stopped buying American items whenever he can, both at home and for his business, he's not sure others will follow suit.

Robert Geddes was making a delivery when he stopped to take a photo of the sign. He says he thinks it's funny, but he doesn't agree with the message.

"When it comes down to it, they're our biggest supporters. Anything happens to us, who are we going to turn to?" said Geddes.

Robert Geddes stopped to take a photo with the sign, which he thinks is humorous. (Colleen Underwood/CBC)

'A gratitude thing'

Goods said he plans to keep the sign up as long as people are having fun with it, or until there's a change in the U.S. government.

"I suppose if Trump is gone or he's impeached, then I'll take the sign down," said Goods.

Plus, Goods says the sign has been good for business. He said he's had someone come in to talk about the message only to show up a week later to place an order. And he said others have left with his business cards and brochures.

"Its what you might call a gratitude thing. They're happy with what you're doing, and they want to help you out," said Goods.