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Tariffs and Tensions: A View from the North
CALGARY, Alberta – My arrival in Calgary was immediately met with questions about the impact of President Donald Trump’s trade policies on Canada. Even before I exited the plane, two young men, returning from a church mission, were eager to understand the rationale behind the fluctuating tariffs imposed on their country. One expressed his support for Trump but admitted confusion over these actions against Canadians. What struck me was the personal nature of their concern; it wasn’t about the political maneuvering against Prime Minister Trudeau, but a perceived attack on Canadians themselves.
The sentiment echoed in conversations throughout Calgary on Saturday. Despite any economic justification Trump might offer, Canadians overwhelmingly view the tariffs as a direct affront. This feeling is so prevalent that it is deeply impacting the sentiment on the relationship between the two countries.
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The palpable tension is evident in everyday life. On the drive into the city, signs encouraged boycotts of American goods, a visible manifestation of growing discontent. One sign near a store humorously proclaimed, "Our orange Cheetos don’t impose tariffs," underscoring the sense of being unfairly targeted. Even as the Liberal Party navigates the process of selecting a new prime minister, the issue of tariffs dominates public discourse. It’s front and center in every conversation, surpassing domestic political maneuvering in urgency.
Calgary itself offers a vibrant counterpoint to the underlying anxiety. The pedestrian area of 8th Ave SW, set against the backdrop of the iconic Calgary Tower, pulsates with energy. Restaurants buzz with activity, and the sounds of a hockey game between the Calgary Flames and the Montreal Canadiens spill out from the bars, a reminder of shared cultural passions.
I found myself at The James Joyce Restaurant and Pub, a classic Irish establishment. The sign cheekily states "since 1882," a nod to the novelist’s birth year rather than the pub’s actual age, a clever bit of wordplay that Joyce himself might appreciate. But even here, amidst the convivial atmosphere, the conversation inevitably turned to the contentious tariffs.
Kelly, a retiree in his 60s, frequents the pub for its lack of televisions, offering a refuge from the constant news cycle. Upon learning that I was American, he immediately voiced his frustration with Trump’s policies. "Nothing Trump is doing seems rational," he declared, encapsulating a widespread feeling of bewilderment.
Kelly further noted that the "trade war," as it’s commonly referred to in Canada, has ignited a surge of nationalistic sentiment. He cited the recent hockey games against the United States as an example, suggesting a newfound competitiveness and assertiveness. "We have our elbows up now," he remarked, hinting at a more combative stance in the relationship.
When I inquired about the potential impact on conservative politicians, particularly Pierre Poilievre, a candidate for prime minister representing the Conservative Party, Kelly was pessimistic. "Oh yeah, a lot. It’s a problem," he admitted, acknowledging the challenge the tariffs pose for conservative leaders in Alberta. This province is usually politically aligned to be conservative. He seemed to think this may have been changed.
Later in the evening, I spoke with David O’Brien, an Irish immigrant who has called Calgary home for about a decade. He emphasized the economic pressures facing Canadians. "You have to understand," he explained, his brogue still distinct, "the cost of living here is out of control. That’s why so many people hate Trudeau, but it also makes the tariffs even more scary." He described a politically polarized Canada, but argued that the tariffs and Trump’s occasional suggestions about Canada becoming the 51st state have paradoxically fostered a sense of national unity. "There are a few I know that talk about joining America, but I think they know it’s not real, it’s more about the sad state of affairs in Canada," he clarified.
A significant factor shaping public opinion is the Canadian news media. O’Brien mentions the state news is all in on criticizing President Trump and the imposed tariffs. He said the media in Canada is “absolutely pervasive”, and that it is comparable to every news channel being MSNBC in the United States.
The disparity in news coverage between the two countries is striking. In the U.S., the Canada tariffs are relegated to the back pages of newspapers and brief segments on news programs. Domestic concerns like the war in Ukraine, Trump’s legal battles, and economic anxieties take precedence.
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In Canada, however, the tariffs dominate the news cycle. What Americans may perceive as routine trade negotiations, many Canadians view as a betrayal by a close ally. This perception is fueled by the extensive media coverage and the feeling of being unfairly targeted.
While the prevailing sentiment is confusion and frustration, not outright anger towards the American people, the strain on the relationship is undeniable. The long-term consequences of this tension remain uncertain.
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The next few months, not to mention a potential four more years of a Trump presidency, could fundamentally alter the relationship between the United States and Canada, two nations deeply intertwined through trade, language, and shared sporting leagues. The future of this relationship hangs in the balance.
Whether this shift ultimately proves positive or negative is yet to be seen. But as it stands, the prevailing mood in Canada is far from optimistic. The hope is that cooler heads can prevail and restore the historically strong bonds between these two neighboring countries. The current anxiety can not remain unaddressed.
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