Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, one of America’s most cherished leaders, recognized the strength of the U.S.-Canada relationship. He advocated for free trade, describing it as "the largest free trade area in the world, benefiting not only our two nations but also setting an example of cooperation." Reagan cautioned against "the siren temptation of protectionism" and believed that Canada and the U.S. would "overcome the impulse of economic isolationism with a brotherly embrace." He viewed our border not as a barrier but as "a meeting place, rather than a dividing line."
Our relationship with the United States changed fundamentally on Saturday. Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods represent more than just an economic assault; they undermine our long-standing alliance. For generations, our two nations have stood together in times of need. When wildfires raged in California, we sent our firefighters. When hurricanes devastated Florida, we dispatched hydro workers to restore power. Following 9/11, we opened our airports and welcomed stranded Americans without hesitation. When the United States went to war after 9/11, Canadian soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder with American troops—not because we had to, but because we believed it was the right thing to do.
Yet, despite this history of cooperation, Trump has decided to treat Canada as an enemy. His tariffs are based on flimsy justifications—claims of fentanyl smuggling and illegal immigration that simply do not hold up to scrutiny. Less than 1% of fentanyl entering the U.S. comes from Canada. Less than 1% of illegal immigrants crossing into the U.S. come from Canada. The numbers prove his allegations are baseless. This is not about border security or public safety. This is economic warfare.
President John F. Kennedy once said, "Geography has made us neighbours. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners. And necessity has made us allies. Those whom nature hath so joined together, let no man put asunder." But with the stroke of a pen, Trump is attempting to do just that.
The damage to our relationship is real. At a recent Ottawa Senators game, fans booed the American national anthem. I understand the frustration, but we are better than that. We are Canadians. We do not resort to division or hostility; we respond with unity and decisive action.
Now is not the time for partisan politics; this situation demands strong leadership. Prime Minister Trudeau must reconvene Parliament without delay. This isn’t about electoral strategy or political theatrics—it’s about standing up for Canada. We need firm, unwavering action. British Columbia’s Premier David Eby has already taken significant measures by halting the purchase of American liquor from red states and directing government agencies to stop procuring American products. Premier Doug Ford is also removing American products from liquor and beer stores. Ontario sells a billion dollars’ worth of American spirits each year. The Premier of Quebec has urged the Treasury Board to penalize U.S. companies bidding on contracts. Premier Wab Kinew even took to TikTok to suggest that Trump has created a tariff wall. Meanwhile, other Premiers held press conferences to address the public and the media directly.
Kinew, Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham, Selkirk Mayor Larry Johannson, Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett, and all civic leaders in this province must follow Eby's example. We cannot continue supporting an economy that seeks to undermine our own.
Canada should also explore every available legal avenue to contest these tariffs. Canada can initiate a dispute under World Trade Organization (WTO) rules if the U.S. tariffs violate global trade agreements like the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). If Canada prevails, the U.S. would be expected to comply or risk potential retaliation. Under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), Canada can make use of the agreement’s dispute resolution mechanisms. State-to-State Dispute Settlement (Chapter 31) allows Canada to challenge U.S. actions if they violate trade commitments, while Panel Reviews (Chapter 10 - Antidumping & Countervailing Duties) enable Canada to dispute U.S. trade measures before an independent binational panel rather than U.S. courts. Canadian companies affected by tariffs can also contest them in U.S. domestic courts, particularly if they assert that the tariffs contravene U.S. law. If the U.S. refuses to yield, Canada can respond with targeted countermeasures, as demonstrated in previous disputes such as the steel and aluminum tariffs under Trump.
Beyond legal challenges, Canada needs to take decisive steps toward economic self-sufficiency. Removing interprovincial trade barriers would enable businesses to thrive across provincial borders. Eliminating the carbon tax would alleviate financial pressures on consumers and industries at home. We should also remove obstacles for projects ready to extract our valuable minerals. Establishing a northern port would enhance our ability to ship goods and boost trade with Europe. These long-term strategies would fortify our economy and lessen our vulnerability to American economic coercion.
Governments at all levels must promptly stop purchasing American products and cancel all non-essential travel to the U.S. However, this response must not come solely from the government. Every Canadian must be part of the solution.
I wholeheartedly support the call to buy Canadian. Now, more than ever, we must make a conscious effort to help Canadian businesses. Madeinca.ca, a comprehensive directory that makes it easier to choose local over foreign products, is a fantastic resource for discovering Canadian-made products. Every dollar spent on Canadian goods strengthens our economy and reduces our reliance on the United States.
We must also take broader steps towards economic independence. Let’s eliminate interprovincial trade barriers so businesses can thrive across provincial lines. Let’s immediately remove the carbon tax to free up funds for investment in Canadian industries. Let’s build a northern port to enhance trade and access to Europe for goods.
Trump has threatened to escalate tariffs if we retaliate. We must be measured yet fearless. We cannot allow the United States to dictate our economic future. This is our moment to strengthen our economy, become more self-sufficient, and ensure that no foreign leader can undermine our prosperity with a single executive order.
Prime Minister Trudeau’s decision to impose retaliatory tariffs is a necessary first step, but we need to go further. Parliament must act promptly to:
1. Remove GST and PST from all Canadian and Mexican-made products to make them more competitive.
2. Eliminate the carbon tax to reduce costs for businesses and consumers.
3. End interprovincial trade barriers to strengthen economic unity.
4. Invest in new infrastructure to build a northern port and pipeline to get our resources to that port.
5. Create an express line to get our precious minerals out of the ground.
6. Direct all levels of government to stop buying American products and halt travel to the U.S.
This cannot be a partisan issue. This is about protecting Canada’s economic future.
There is a silver lining to this dark cloud. This can be the moment for Canada to reclaim its economic independence. Let’s invest in our industries, strengthen domestic markets, and achieve genuine economic self-sufficiency.
This is not a short-term fight. It isn't a sprint; it’s a marathon. Yet, as our national anthem proclaims, "From far and wide, O Canada, we stand on guard for thee." We must remain vigilant for our economy, workers, and the future of our nation.
Now is the moment for Canada to look after Canada. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work.