Canada Criticizes Trump’s Tariff Reversal as Insufficient and Delayed

Shortly after the US enacted tariffs on Canadian goods, a local pub in Toronto took action by eliminating all American items from their offerings.

As a result, nachos, wings – and certainly beer – are now made exclusively with Canadian ingredients or, where necessary, imports from Europe or Mexico instead of the US.

Leah Russell, the manager at Madison Avenue pub in Toronto, describes the decision to boycott as straightforward, stating that it’s “basically set in stone,” regardless of the tariffs’ status.

“I’m happy to eliminate American products and support local businesses,” Ms. Russell shared with the BBC. “I believe it’s crucial.”

This assertive move in response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs and remarks aimed at Canada has been evident throughout the country.

Actor Jeff Douglas, known for his appearance in Molson Canadian Beer’s “I Am Canadian” ads, recently posted a humorous yet patriotic video on YouTube addressing Trump’s claims about Canada being the “51st state.”

“We’re not the 51st anything,” Mr. Douglas proclaims in the now-viral video within Canada.

Some responses have been more symbolic, such as a café in Montreal renaming its Americano to “Canadiano” as a small gesture of solidarity with their community and country.

Even the CBC, Canada’s public broadcaster, felt the backlash after airing a program that asked Canadians for their thoughts on Canada potentially becoming “the 51st state,” as indicated by Trump.

The show ignited a fierce backlash, with viewers labeling it “treason,” “sedition,” and “betrayal.”

Despite President Trump suspending certain tariffs this week and postponing others until April 2, many Canadians feel the repercussions have already taken root.

Following Thursday’s tariff review, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly informed UJ that Canada has experienced “excessive disrespect” from the Trump administration, especially regarding remarks calling Canada a 51st state and labeling the Prime Minister as ‘governor.’

Furthermore, Doug Ford, who leads Canada’s most populous province, remains steadfast in his plan to impose export tariffs on electricity supplied to various US states. This 25% surcharge could impact up to 1.5 million American households.

“I feel sorry for the American people because it’s not them, nor even their elected leaders, it’s just one individual,” he expressed on a local radio program while stating his thoughts about Trump.

“He’s targeting his closest friends and allies globally, and this could significantly harm both economies,” Ford warned.

Canadians back their government’s retaliatory measures, insisting these should remain in place until US tariffs are entirely lifted.

“You go to sleep each night unsure of your standing,” remarked Andrew, a customer at an LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) store in Toronto where US-made alcoholic beverages have been banned from shelves. Trump states he will postpone the tariffs, “but what does that really imply?” he inquires.

“Let’s keep [American-made drinks] off the shelves until we have a clearer understanding of the situation.”

The onset of tariffs has led to heightened anxiety in Canada, where the majority of exports are destined for US clients and businesses. Officials project that up to one million job losses could occur if a 25% levy is enforced broadly, with economists warning that a looming recession is on the horizon if such tariffs continue.

The threat is dire enough that the Canadian government has announced it will introduce relief plans akin to those enacted during the Covid-19 pandemic to assist affected individuals and companies.

Even with a temporary reduction in tariffs, the prevailing uncertainty is detrimental to both American and Canadian economies, states Rob Gillezeau, an assistant professor of economics at the University of Toronto.

“Business investments are most vulnerable to uncertainty,” Prof. Gillezeau remarks, adding that firms are reluctant to commit funds until there is more clarity.

Analysts believe that simply anticipating a trade war is costing Canadian businesses hundreds of thousands of dollars as they attempt to maneuver through these changes, likely delaying agreements and causing disruptions in trade due to the confusion.

Such concerns are also observable in the stock market, which has nearly eliminated the gains made since Trump’s election in November.

Alongside the economic challenges, many consider Trump’s remarks on annexation of Canada as serious threats, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggesting that the US president is eyeing Canadian resources.

“His intention seems to be to engineer a total collapse of the Canadian economy, making it easier to annex us,” Trudeau commented to the press in Ottawa on Thursday.

Prof. Gillezeau notes this sentiment is particularly painful coming from a neighbor historically viewed as Canada’s closest friend and ally.

The US and Canada have shared historical ties, fought wars together, proudly maintain the longest “undefended” international border, and collaborated on security missions in the Arctic to protect each other’s sovereignty.

“We’ve been allies for a century,” he points out, adding that many Canadians are likely upset not only about how the US has treated Canada but also its behavior towards other allies such as Ukraine.

“We’re honorable, decent people, and we stand by our allies,” Prof. Gillezeau explains. “This feels like a deep wound for many Canadians.”

The Canadian boycotts are already having significant effects. Global News reported a 40% drop in leisure travel bookings to the US year over year, based on data from Flight Centre Canada. Similar declines have been noted in land border crossings between British Columbia and Washington State.

Prior to the tariffs, the US held the position as the top international travel destination for Canadians, who contributed $20.5bn (£15.89bn) to the American tourism sector in 2024 alone.

When asked if this trend might continue, Prof. Gillezeau stated that Canadians generally desire a return to normalized relations with the US. However, in the absence of that, there’s a growing consensus that “Canada should seek allies elsewhere.”