As portrayed in Kessler’s article, relations have sharply soured lately between the US and Canada. Former President Donald Trump recently made headlines by suggesting that Canada should be the 51st state of the U.S. Whether or not he meant to, his shortsighted comments unified Canadians in their outrage and provided a major rallying point for the newly entrenched ruling party. As Americans head to the polls this November, there’s no denying that Trump’s extreme agenda and record are front and center in this election season.
Trump’s repeated calls for Canada’s incorporation into the United States have turned what was once a lighthearted quip into a serious concern for many Canadians. He first really floated the idea publicly after his second victory, setting off a firestorm of criticism that he had to quickly douse. Along with these suggestions, Trump has imposed tariffs on Canadian goods during the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), further straining relations and causing economic repercussions.
On the day of polling, Trump went to war on social media. He implored Canadians to vote for a leader who would welcome him into his ideal Canada as a failed state. His actions have inadvertently bolstered opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, who has firmly rejected Trump’s interference, declaring, “President Trump, stay out of our election.” This response is a symptom of an increasing sense among Canadians that their sovereignty is truly at risk.
The Impact of Trump’s Tariffs
For our part, extreme economic policies like those Trump has promoted toward Canada have not escaped our retribution. His trade war—his recent imposition of major tariffs on Canadian goods—has forced thousands of Canadians to reconsider their long-familiar and taken-for-granted relationship with their southern neighbor. Business owners like Scott May have responded to these tariffs by pulling American products from their shelves, stating, “It was a very easy decision to pull all of the American bourbon out.”
The impacts of Trump’s nasty trade policies have gone far past dollars and cents. Jenny Brown, our political director, sounded the alarm on Trump’s true agenda. She continued, I don’t know if he would look to invade, but he’s certainly looking to assault our economic sovereignty. Such sentiments resonate with a populace that views Trump’s tactics as an attempt to weaken Canada and potentially lead it toward joining the U.S. for economic survival.
Truth is, it’s a more challenging political environment. Canadians are rallying around the idea of standing up to outside forces that threaten their national identity. Sheila Gibson articulated this sentiment by saying, “I think we’re offended that he wants to take over Canada… because we’ve got the natural resources and whatnot.” This sense of national affront has created the short-term upward spiraling effect of the national pride spiral as citizens come together and support their beleaguered nation.
A Shift in Canadian Sentiment
Indeed, President Trump’s unrelenting thunder against Canada has brought together this public opinion in a fashion few political observers would have predicted. His demeanor with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has stood in stark contrast to his approach with previous Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Though Trudeau first dismissed Trump’s idea as a joke, it has taken on an alarming reality for many Canadians at this point.
The relationship between Trump and Canadian leaders has changed 180 degrees. While Trudeau was often seen as a target for Trump’s taunts and threats, Poilievre’s firm stance against interference has resonated with voters. Perhaps that’s why most Canadians know deep down that it’s not Americans per se who are the problem. One American is to blame for it too,” said Scott May. These sentiments, echoed in his words, reflect policy makers’ feelings that Trump has made this fight personal rather than national.
Additionally, many of the U.S. citizens are saying that they feel greatly betrayed and distrustful toward the U.S. Ken Gibson remarked on this sentiment: “Unfortunately, we’ve lost total trust in the United States.” Debt and the high cost of living are weighing heavily on voters in this election, and it’s all thanks to the mismanagement of the Liberals. This grim reality is pushing them to fight for better.
The Future of Canada-U.S. Relations
As Canada gets ready to go to the polls in their own election this fall, the stakes of Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric and behaviour are high. His penchant for tariffs and illegal annexation have changed the way the U.S. is viewed in Canada like never before. For many citizens, the stakes couldn’t be higher for their economic and political sovereignty.
Trump may no longer be a daily presence on the Canadian election campaign trail, but voters cannot escape his impact. His presence still proves to be the great elimination. His relentless tactics have fostered an environment in which Canadians now feel the need to protect their way of life from danger – real or imagined. As Jenny Brown noted, “It’s not so much that I’m afraid tanks are going to come across the border, but I do think that his methods are economic in nature.”
As the election continues to approach, it will be interesting to see whether or not these tensions manifest themselves in voter choices. Few Canadians are more conscious than ever of the complexities entailed in their relationship with their southern neighbor.
