Amid Trump’s Tariff Threats, Canadians Boycott All Things American
Shopping for groceries the other afternoon at his neighborhood supermarket here, Victor Meunier reached for a head of broccoli — then reconsidered. It had been imported from the United States.
Meunier ditched the broccoli and reached for a package of mushrooms with a different label: “Product of Canada.”
It was a small act of resistance against the Trump administration and its sudden upending of the longtime alliance between the two nations.
Since taking office last month, President Trump has turned Canada into a punching bag, threatening hefty tariffs on its goods while insisting that he is serious when he says that he wants to annex the country to make it America’s 51st state.
“They would be much better off,” Trump said of Canadians a few days ago, adding that Canada is “not viable as a country” without U.S. trade.
Tensions Rise, Boycott Spreads
Outraged by such talk from a nation that is supposed to be their closest friend, normally mild-mannered Canadians have been scrapping beach trips to Florida, booing the U.S. anthem when it plays before NHL games and boycotting all things American-made — from Netflix to produce.
With support from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other leaders, the boycott is gaining ground. Shoppers around the country are forgoing California-grown fruits and veggies in favor of more local fare, and bar patrons are trading Kentucky bourbon for Canadian rye.
“Trump is causing a lot of trouble,” said Mary Brock, another shopper who was keeping U.S. products out of her cart at the supermarket in downtown Toronto. “I’d like to do my part.”
Causes and Consequences
Tensions with the U.S. — which were fanned this week when Trump announced tariffs on all imported steel and aluminum, a measure that will especially hurt Canada — have inspired both a sense of betrayal and patriotism.
A poll by the Angus Reid Institute found a 10-point jump in the percentage of Canadians who said they are “very proud” of their country compared with two months ago. Nine of 10 respondents said Canada should reduce its reliance on the United States.
Experts said Trump’s aggression has helped unify a country that in recent months had been deeply divided over Trudeau’s leadership. It has also sparked soul-searching about what it means, exactly, to be Canadian.
What is Canadian Identity?
This richly diverse country, where 2 in 5 residents are immigrants or the children of immigrants, has long prided itself on having what Trudeau once termed a “post-national” identity — with a mix of languages, religions, and cultures.
But even if Canadians don’t always agree on a shared vision for what they are, the blowup over Trump has shown they can agree on what they are not.
“Canadians don’t want to be Americans,” said Duane Bratt, a political scientist at Mount Royal University in Calgary. “We share a lot of linkages with the U.S., but we have so many differences. Healthcare policy. School shootings. We like not having as many guns.”
Facing the Future
The boycott is expected to continue, with shoppers and consumers urging each other to make a stand against Trump’s aggressive tactics.
“Now is the time to choose Canada,” Trudeau said. “There are many ways for you to do your part.”
Conclusion
The Canadian boycott of American products is a testament to the country’s growing resistance to Trump’s actions. As the trade war rages on, Canadians are reevaluating their relationship with the United States and redefining what it means to be Canadian.
FAQs
Q: What is the current state of the Canada-US trade relationship?
A: The relationship has been strained due to Trump’s tariff threats and demands.
Q: How have Canadians been responding to the boycott?
A: Many Canadians are boycotting American-made products and opting for local alternatives.
Q: What is the future of the Canada-US relationship looking like?
A: It remains uncertain, but experts predict that the relationship will continue to be strained unless a new agreement is reached.
