Any other Canadians on here wanting to comment on the trade war (US friends welcome)?

[Mumtobabyhavoc]

Just watching the news here and feelings are ranging from "meh" to despair. How the H-E Double Hockey Sticks did we get here?

I lived in Canada for over 40 years but have emmigrated to Europe. Anyway, I've been hearing about Canada looking at increasing trade deals with the EU (possibly joining, even!) and have every finger and toe firmly crossed.
We need more reliable trading partners who actually recognise the value they're getting from the relationship.

Agreed.
Liquor stores have removed all American products and some just products from "red" states. I've noticed Canadian flags up in store windows and produce is more prominently labelled for country of origin, to names a few things here. Ont Premier Doug Ford is threatening to "turn off" exported power as well.

(Forty years? Did you go abroad to retire?)

@Mumtobabyhavoc Sort of. I was born in the UK but lived in Canada from the age of 2. Sadly, I don't have an English accent but at least rarely get asked if I'm American (Canadians hate being mistaken for Americans). So yes, we are retired, though young retirees.
Canadians are also not particularly patriotic. I don't think I've ever seen a Canadian flag on someone's porch. But the recent "pulling together" and yes, patriotism, is doing my heart good ❤️
Where are you from?

We got here because the Republicans wanted power at any cost. The cost is Trump and his base. Plus his acolytes. Some might regret what they have done (and are likely to do) but others think Canada and the EU and Mexico are fair game. Plus the uk because they think we are Europe.

So, unless the Democrats get a decent strong candidate next time, with policies to take back Republican states, the USA will have Vance. So a continuing nightmare for a further 8 years is very possible. Trump is clearly far worse than had been anticipated. Maybe inflation caused by tariffs might wake up Americans. Not holding my breath because everyone else will be blamed.

I'm interested to see if the famed "checks and balances" in the USA political systems actually mean anything. Executive orders seem to bypass everything and an appointed judiciary is very wrong in a democratic society.

@BitterArrowsmith I'm in Vancouver. I've seen more flags lately. We are patriotic, but don't feel the need to chant our country name for any and all reasons iykwim and if you are not displaying the flag you're not assumed unpatriotic.

Jesus Christ...

www.nytimes.com/2025/03/07/world/canada/trump-trudeau-canada-51st-state.html

Gift link in case not working.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/07/world/canada/trump-trudeau-canada-51st-state.html?unlocked_article_code=1.2E4.cVWQ.KlF3ZQlo-2Zt&smid=url-share

I'm beginning to think we need to start military exercises along the border - now. 😟
And that maybe our British allies should join us.

As a reminder:

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_Arch

Clearly, Trump is trying to meddle in our elections (see the Trump post further down in article). And the cowboy from Alberta needs check his allegiance, ffs. Is he American????

nationalpost.com/opinion/with-ndp-staring-down-electoral-collapse-singh-walks-back-pledge-to-defeat-liberals

@BitterArrowsmith

"I've been hearing about Canada looking at increasing trade deals with the EU (possibly joining, even!"

Excellent idea, Canadian friends. Especially as, for those who don't know, there's already a little bit of Canada in the UK: Wolford Chapel in Devon. It is "quite literally, Canadian territory. A Canadian flag flies outside the chapel, which is open most days to visitors." Think of the territorial fun and games...

www.britainexpress.com/counties/devon/churches/wolford-chapel.htm

I'm not sure where you get the idea that Canadians aren't patriotic- of course we are, we just don't idolise the flag in the same way that Americans do,

I posted this on another thread, but it fits here.
I'm in BC and our Premier has now ordered all US alcohol to be removed from all liquor store shelves. Note the insult in his speech. 😹

globalnews.ca/news/11074624/david-eby-live-bc-response-donald-trump-tariffs-alcohol/amp/

Anyone else doing their patriotic duty?

@Mumtobabyhavoc I’m a Canadian in BC central interior and yes I’ll be doing my part today. No shopping necessary but I’ll be researching the election candidates.

I’m British in the PNW and am horrified, thankfully 99% of the people I’m surrounded by, American and otherwise, are also horrified. A lot of British people on the ‘British in the USA’ FB groups are working on leaving, if they don’t have grown children here. I’d like to as soon as possible.

Somehow I feel calmer knowing we have a PM.
I’m not sure of the parties plans but hope over the next 30days we get a real picture as to how he plans to move the country forward.

@GildedRage the news reports Carney's plan is to go to France and the UK for meetings, not the US, so likely it'll be about trade alliances.

Yes @Mumtobabyhavoc I’m aware. You might enjoy this podcast which explains why nicely (midway in the conversation).
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XA-gcRodNHg&pp=ygUjdGhlIGJyaWRnZSBwZXRlciBtYW5zYnJpZGdlIHBvZGNhc3Q%3D

I’ve also found out more details on military spending

Oh no not a good link
its suppose to be
The Bridge Peter Mansbridge’s latest podcast titled Smaller ?? Cabinet

short version; he’s going to focus on trade. He’s going to Europe where’s he’s known and meet with friends like Macon. This will help politically at home and help expand trade to other partners. He’ll hold off on visiting the potus until the general election IF he gets in. Fully aware of the hot seat Z was placed in he will not engage with the potus on that level.

Found it.
And yeah, doesn't make sense to try and make a deal with Trump or meet him unless he wins next election. Alrhough, if he does make headway with the US it could bode well in his favour. Hope he calls the election sooner than later.

We’re in Montreal - DH is a proud French Canadian. I’ve kept my Belgian citizenship. We have spent most of our marriage lives in London but post Brexit wanted a move.

Trump, his advisers and supporters are plain stupid!

Carney was Governor of the Bank of England. He knows people. I do think Trump is not stupid though. He’s dangerous. He’s got dangerous people around him. Canada could be threatened for decades if this version of Republicans stays in power. Decent Americans need to get their act together.

We have family in America and Canada, very few are supporting the tarriffs, most Americans are sympathetic to Canada.

It's a very unfortunate situation and it all boils down Trump....they gave the man over 300 seat majority and he won all of the swing states.... Americans must be regretting that now with inflation, job losses, pension funds plunging and the stock market down 40% in some areas. The world is on the brink of all out war....John Bolton a previous Trump advisor put his predictions for a second term Trump very accurately...there will be a international/diplomatic incident because Trump ignores advice

True and there might not be elections next time or the media will become so censored that public support will remain in favour of perpetual self harm for the benefit of a tiny minority.