In Calgary, Alberta, a conversation unfolded even before I disembarked from my flight. Two young men, back from a church mission trip, approached me with questions about President Donald Trump’s fluctuating tariffs on Canada. One expressed his support for Trump but admitted confusion about the impact on Canadians.
This remark was telling. Instead of focusing on the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, or the implications for government policy, he highlighted how these tariffs affect the everyday lives of the people in Canada.
As I interacted with more Canadians during my time in Calgary, it became apparent that while Trump may perceive these tariffs as a business decision, many Canadians feel a personal sting. Various signs around the city encouraged a boycott of American products. One store even jokingly proclaimed, “Our orange Cheetos don’t impose tariffs,” reflecting the brewing tension.
Amidst Calgary’s vibrant nightlife, where the sounds of hockey games echoed from bustling bars, I had conversations that revealed deeper frustrations. In a charming Irish pub celebrating its long history, I met Kelly, a retired local in his 60s. Upon learning I was American, he brought up the tariffs unprompted, expressing that Trump’s actions seemed irrational to him. He noted that this so-called “trade war” has reignited a sense of nationalism in Canada, particularly seen during recent hockey matches against the U.S.
Kelly worried about how these tensions might impact conservative politicians like Pierre Poilievre, who is aiming for leadership in the upcoming elections. The situation, he admitted, is not helping their cause.
I also met David O’Brien, an Irish immigrant who has lived in Calgary for ten years. He shared concerns about soaring living costs, which fuel resentment toward Trudeau’s government and amplify fears over tariffs. Canada is increasingly polarized politically, yet in an ironic twist, the tariffs have brought a kind of unity among some Canadians.
The Canadian media landscape overwhelmingly criticizes Trump and his policies, shaping public sentiment against the U.S. While these tariffs may seem like a minor blip in the U.S. news cycle, for Canadians, they dominate discussions and feelings of betrayal loom large. What Americans view as tough negotiation tactics, many in Canada perceive as a breach of trust from a historically close ally.
Although tempers haven’t flared, it’s clear the strain in U.S.-Canada relations is palpable. The next few months could profoundly alter how our two nations interact, impacting everything from trade to cultural ties. While uncertainty lingers, the optimism that once characterized this relationship seems diminished today.
