A Cold Shoulder from the North: Canada’s Growing Disenchantment with the U.S.

The usually amicable relationship between the United States and Canada appears to be experiencing a significant chill, driven by political tensions and a growing desire among Canadians to support their own economy. From booing the American national anthem at hockey games to actively seeking out Canadian-made products, a wave of anti-American sentiment seems to be sweeping across the country.

Christopher Dip, a 29-year-old app developer from Montreal, succinctly captures the current atmosphere: "It’s top of mind for everyone in Canada. It’s what everyone is talking about." He acknowledges a certain Canadian politeness preventing outright hostility, hinting at a simmering frustration just beneath the surface.

The root of this discontent lies largely in the political arena, particularly with the policies and pronouncements of former President Donald Trump. His "on-again, off-again tariff trade war" and even a suggestion that Canada become the 51st state, with Wayne Gretzky at the helm, were viewed as deeply insulting by many Canadians. These actions have fostered a sense of disrespect and have triggered a re-evaluation of the relationship between the two nations.

The impact of this shift in sentiment is already being felt within the United States. U.S. government statistics reveal a 12.5% drop in the number of Canadians crossing the border in February compared to the previous year, with an even steeper decline of over 15% in the number of drivers. This decrease in tourism is having tangible economic consequences for businesses in popular American destinations.

Moab, Utah, a favorite late-winter getaway for Canadians, is experiencing the brunt of this boycott. Lorenzo McGregor, co-owner of Texs Riverways boat shuttle service, reports cancellations worth tens of thousands of dollars. "They’re writing in, saying I can no longer in good conscience do business with American businesses," McGregor explains, highlighting the moral dimension of the boycott for some Canadians. The absence of Canadian tourists is so pronounced that McGregor’s company has delayed its usual start to the season shuttling passengers down the Colorado River into Canyonlands National Park. Other tour operators in Moab have echoed McGregor’s experience, confirming a widespread decline in Canadian bookings.

Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s response to the perceived slights from the U.S. has further fueled the fire. He publicly acknowledged the offense felt by Canadians and encouraged them to consider alternative vacation destinations, effectively endorsing a boycott of American tourism. This stance has seemingly boosted his Liberal Party, which had been struggling in the polls.

This growing sense of national pride and desire to support the Canadian economy has manifested in creative ways. Dip, along with his colleague Alexandre Hamila, developed an app called "Buy Beaver" designed to help Canadians identify and purchase Canadian-made products. The app, named after Canada’s national animal, has already garnered over 100,000 downloads, demonstrating the strong public interest in supporting Canadian businesses.

Hamila explains that the app caters to two distinct groups of users: those who wish to avoid American-made products in general and those who are specifically seeking out Canadian alternatives. He describes scenes of shoppers meticulously examining labels in grocery store aisles, diligently searching for products made in Canada. This illustrates the lengths to which some Canadians are going to express their discontent and support their own economy.

While some Canadians are wholeheartedly embracing the boycott, others remain more hesitant. Stephen Krause, a retired oil industry tech worker from Edmonton, decided to proceed with his planned two-month road trip across the American southwest with his wife. He cited the warmer weather and lack of snow as primary motivators, acknowledging the tension between the two countries but reporting a pleasant experience so far. "People have not mentioned the words hockey or politics at all," he noted.

Despite individual exceptions like Krause, the overarching trend points towards a growing rift between the two nations. The deep economic ties that have long characterized the U.S.-Canada relationship are now being tested. Canada is a significant trading partner of the United States, purchasing over 17% of total U.S. exports in 2022 and selling over $430 billion in products to the U.S. The widespread effort to boycott American goods could have significant ramifications for the U.S. economy.

Dip observes a generational divide in the intensity of anti-American sentiment. While a small minority of younger Canadians might be open to the idea of becoming part of the United States, older Canadians appear to be the most passionate in their opposition. "The people who seem most pissed are the older ones," he explains. "The feeling we’re getting, the messages we’re getting, is that they’re never going to support Americans again. For them, it seems irreversible."

The current climate suggests a potentially long-lasting shift in the relationship between the United States and Canada. While the ties that bind the two countries are deep and complex, the rising tide of Canadian nationalism and the desire to support their own economy cannot be ignored. The actions and rhetoric of U.S. politicians appear to have had a profound impact on Canadian public opinion, and the consequences are now being felt on both sides of the border. It remains to be seen whether the relationship can be repaired and whether the cold shoulder from the north will eventually thaw. The future will depend on mutual respect, understanding, and a willingness to address the underlying issues that have fueled this growing discontent.