I can't say what it means for tax, but I assume it's similar to Walmart or other US chains operating with a Canadian subsidiary corporation(ie Walmart Canada vs Walmart). I'm guessing the money goes back home.
After a quick search it seems like Home Hardwares are still independent and Canadian owned. When I was a kid, the ones around here were all owned by regular people who lived in the town the store was in. Canadian Tire is similar I believe.
Yeah, pretty much. I'm going to try my best to shop at Home Hardware now.