Amid political tensions, Canadians boycott US products and alter travel plans in protest.
In response to US President Donald Trump’s imposition of 25 per cent tariffs on most Canadian imports, Canadians have voiced their anger through boycotts, changes in travel plans, and public protests. Announced on February 1, the tariffs have sparked widespread backlash, with many citizens taking direct action, from cancelling trips to the US to avoiding American-made products.
Trump’s decision to slap tariffs on its close neighbour has been seen by many as an act of economic hostility. Drew Dilkens, the mayor of Windsor, Ontario, a city situated directly across the border from Detroit, expressed the shock many Canadians felt, commenting, “It feels like Trump wants to restructure the world order. He’s willing to start with his closest ally… If he’s willing to do this to Canada, what’s he willing to do to everybody else?”
The economic impact is immediate for border cities like Windsor, where approximately C$400 million worth of trade crosses the Ambassador Bridge daily. Dilkens urged local residents to support Canadian businesses in response to the new tariffs.
In Calgary, resident Ken Lima-Coelho observed a surge of Canadian patriotism within his family. His children, inspired by the political situation, are now taking steps to embrace local products, with his son even considering sewing a small Canadian flag to his backpack before a trip to Europe.
In retaliation, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau quickly announced tariffs on C$155 billion worth of US goods. The first set, valued at C$30 billion, will take effect on February 4, the same day Trump’s tariffs begin, with the remaining duties following three weeks later.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded by removing American-made alcoholic beverages from shelves of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), the province’s sole alcohol wholesaler. Ford’s decision, aimed at supporting local businesses, will have a significant impact, as the LCBO typically sells nearly $1 billion worth of American products annually.
In Ottawa, Canadians’ frustration manifested at sporting events, with the US national anthem being booed by crowds during a hockey game between the Ottawa Senators and the Minnesota Wild, and again during a Toronto Raptors basketball game against the LA Clippers.
While the anger is palpable, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew urged Canadians to remain calm and to recognise that the quarrel was with the US administration, not its people. “For many of our families, our relatives on the other side of the 49th parallel are still our friends and relatives,” he said, reminding the nation of the shared history between the two countries.
However, for many Canadians like Mike Davies, a 64-year-old resident of British Columbia, the frustration has reached new heights. After Trump’s controversial social media posts about potentially making Canada the 51st state, Davies launched a boycott against American products. He cancelled his Netflix subscription, stopped using Amazon, and even cancelled plans to visit a friend in North Carolina, in protest of the tariffs and Trump’s remarks.
As the trade dispute continues to evolve, many Canadians are rethinking their purchasing habits and travel plans, with the ongoing tensions fuelling both personal and political decisions across the country.
