Trump has been the US President for a little over 6 weeks. During that time, he has threatened to annex Canada and plans to do so by destroying Canada’s economy through tariffs. This despite the fact that Trump himself negotiated and signed the trade deal between Canada, the US and Mexico during his first administration. I can’t even begin to count the number of times he has completely disrespected our Prime Minister by calling him Governor Trudeau. He threatened tariffs, gave a month-long reprieve, and then enacted these tariffs on March 4th, 2025. One day later, he has given a one-month exemption to automakers. Two days later, he has given a suspension on CUSMA-compliant exports until April 2nd, 2025. His policies are up and down like a toilet seat.
For the last 30 days, Canadian citizens initiated their own rejection of Trump’s initiatives. And this latest suspension or delay of tariffs will not have an impact on Canadians who are saying "Buy Canadian - Bye American". We are boycotting American-made goods – from orange juice to Campbell’s soup to kitty litter. Trips to the grocery store are taking much longer these days as folks are carefully reading labels and putting back on the shelves items that are not “Product of Canada” or “Made in Canada”. If we can’t find a Canadian replacement for something (like oranges since we don’t grow those here), we look for goods from anywhere else – just not the United States.
People are also changing their vacation and business travel plans. People are not attending conventions being held in the US. Families who had planned vacations to Disney World or perhaps were going to take in a Broadway play or enjoy some sun in Puerto Rico have now determined that there are so many wonderful alternatives. Canada is the top source of international visitors to the United States, with 20.4 million visits in 2024, generating $20.5 billion in spending and supporting 140,000 American jobs. Even a 10% drop in Canadian tourism will have a huge impact on the US economy.
Restaurants in Canada are changing their menus. They are only going to be serving food that has been sourced in Canada.
And, you know what? Once these new supply chains, these new travel destinations, become a part of Canadian habits, why would we go back to purchasing from a place that doesn’t honour its trade deals or respect its neighbours and allies? (And, yes - I have correctly spelled honour and neighbour - sorry, 'Merican English!)
People are also changing their vacation and business travel plans. People are not attending conventions being held in the US. Families who had planned vacations to Disney World or perhaps were going to take in a Broadway play or enjoy some sun in Puerto Rico have now determined that there are so many wonderful alternatives. Canada is the top source of international visitors to the United States, with 20.4 million visits in 2024, generating $20.5 billion in spending and supporting 140,000 American jobs. Even a 10% drop in Canadian tourism will have a huge impact on the US economy.
Restaurants in Canada are changing their menus. They are only going to be serving food that has been sourced in Canada.
And, you know what? Once these new supply chains, these new travel destinations, become a part of Canadian habits, why would we go back to purchasing from a place that doesn’t honour its trade deals or respect its neighbours and allies? (And, yes - I have correctly spelled honour and neighbour - sorry, 'Merican English!)
The first month of Trump’s administration was the equivalent of a trial separation. Canada is now filing for divorce. We are through with the abuse. We won’t stand idly by and take a beating from a bully. Canadians can hold its head up proudly on the world stage; the US, if they continue on this path, will stand utterly alone, broken and impoverished. Other countries are looking to Canada as a shining example that nobody needs to bow to a dictator, even if that dictator used to be a former ally.
Winston Churchill said, “Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” Dhar Mann noted that trust takes years to build, seconds to break and forever to repair. I fear that Canada’s relationship with the US is irretrievably damaged. At some point in the future, we may return to a friendly relationship but that trust and faith in our American neighbours and partners have been broken.
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