Over the weekend, tensions between Canada and the United States escalated after President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on Canadian imports.
The new policy slaps a 25% tariff on most Canadian goods entering the U.S., with energy products facing a 10% levy. While Trump had hinted at such measures before taking office, the sweeping economic restrictions on a long-standing ally came as a shock to many Canadians.
The response north of the border has been swift and emotional. Many Canadians have begun boycotting American products, canceling trips to the U.S., and even expressing their discontent at sporting events. The move is seen not just as an economic attack but as a symbolic rift between two deeply connected nations.
For border cities like Windsor, Ontario, the impact will be immediate and severe. Windsor’s Mayor, Drew Dilkens, expressed his concern over the fallout from the tariffs. “It feels like Trump wants to restructure the world order,” Dilkens said in an interview. “He’s starting with his closest ally… If he’s willing to do this to Canada, what’s he willing to do to everybody else?”
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The Ambassador Bridge, which links Windsor to Detroit, sees an estimated C$400 million ($272 million) in trade cross daily. With such a high volume of goods moving between the two countries, the tariffs will hit businesses, workers, and local economies hard.
Dilkens is now urging residents to support local wineries and distilleries instead of purchasing American alcohol, a sentiment echoed by many Canadians looking for ways to push back.
Beyond economic concerns, the tariffs have ignited a wave of national pride among ordinary Canadians. Ken Lima-Coelho, a Calgary resident, shared how his family reacted to the news.
“There’s nothing I can do about this quagmire that we now find ourselves in politically with the regime next door,” Lima-Coelho said. “But I can change which toothpaste I buy… and that gives us something to do while hopefully our political and business leaders sort this out.”
READ ALSO: EU Condemns Trump’s Tariffs, Vows Strong Response If Targeted
His 19-year-old son has even decided to sew a small Canadian flag onto his backpack for an upcoming trip to Europe, while his daughter spent an evening taking inventory of Canadian-made products in their kitchen.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wasted no time in announcing retaliatory tariffs of his own. Canada will impose C$155 billion ($107 billion) in tariffs on U.S. goods in response to Trump’s measures.
The growing trade war between the two allies has left many wondering what the long-term impact will be. But for now, one thing is clear: Canadians are standing together, choosing homegrown products, and making their voices heard.
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