There’s nothing like a trade war to teach Canada self-reliance and self-appreciation.
With the Canada-United States trade war in full swing, the time has come for Canada to retaliate—and with that comes learning to recognize and treasure the value of Canadian goods.
After President Trump announced on Nov. 25 a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods entering the US and a 10 per cent tariff on Canada’s energy exports, Prime Minister Trudeau vowed to impose retaliatory tariffs and countermeasures.
As neighbours, it’s no surprise how many goods and resources are traded between Canada and the US. Yet, the staggering impact of these numbers and the value of what each country offers becomes more apparent than ever when they’re weaponized against each other.
Since early March, notable actions from Canada’s side of the trade war have emerged in Ontario under Premier Doug Ford—from stripping LCBO shelves and their online catalogues of all American liquor to cancelling a $100M contract with Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink.
Though highly consequential to the States, Canadians aren’t exempt from the effects of these actions, either. With Ontario being the exclusive wholesaler of $965 million worth of American alcohol per year, halting these sales will significantly impact American producers—but it’s also a change Canadians and businesses have to adapt to.
On the other hand, cutting off the promise of internet access for 15,000 homes and businesses in Northern Ontario isn’t so easily justified without alternatives readily in place. Ontario’s decision to sever its contract with Starlink might not trouble its owner—Musk responded “Oh well” to the announcement on X—but the lack of access to sound digital infrastructure in remote and Indigenous communities remains a pressing issue, now made even worse.
Musk—who attended Queen’s University for part of his education, and is now Trump’s right-hand man—has also come under fire, in conversations about American betrayal of Canada. While his ties to Queen’s and Canada may feel metaphorically severed, standing up for our country doesn’t require simply condemning those who have harmed it.
With a long and tumultuous road ahead, it’s important Canada doesn’t get in over its head and lose sight of its people’s interests to retaliate against the US.
It’s easy to enter hot-headed and defensive. Amid these tough times, Canada proves its kindness and generosity aren’t to be taken advantage of by Trump’s istration. But there’s a limit to the sustainability of these measures until they’re not fair nor practical for Canadians anymore.
Yet, this moment has brought forward countless positive realizations. A wave of rhetoric about promoting, purchasing, and valuing Canadian goods, both economic and cultural, is occupying space in daily conversations. From a cultural perspective, Canada has a rich art, media, and music scene, with creators making an impact on both grand scales and in local spheres.
Opening our eyes to what’s in front of us is a reminder of the importance of investing inward, flourishing Canadian industries, and relying on ourselves.
There’s no better time to take pride in all things Canadian than now.
—Journal Editorial Board
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