Avoiding US goods and services – from tech to whisky to air travel – has forced many to find a new way of living
This week the US imposed 50% tariffs on US$20bn (£15bn) of Canadian goods, and Mark Carney, the country’s prime minister, has vowed to match them “dollar for dollar” after the collapse of trade talks between the two countries last weekend. Donald Trump retaliated on Thursday by ordering the federal government to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America.
Such actions have added fuel to a widespread boycott of US products and services by Canadians that began early last year in response to the president’s trade war and threats to annex his northern neighbour.
More than 3,500 people from across Canada shared with the Guardian via an online callout how they have made changes to their lives in response to the US administration’s political and economic stance. Many expressed deep anger and sadness, but remained resolute that this was now a new way of living.
Bro, it’s not fair to tell people who don’t like the country they live in to move. If everyone did that then there would be no country left. It is fair to stay and try to create the nation you want, doesn’t it? What kind of nation do you want? I mean that seriously, I think you have something to say, and I think this thread derailed into name calling. So may I constructively ask you, what is your main topic of contention with your country that you would want changed? I understand that this is a broad question, and if you wouldn’t mind, I would prefer an answer that is a description of the kind of society you would want to live in.
What type of society would you feel happy in? Can you describe it? I think it is important for us all to talk about these things, genuinely.
Thanks.