When you break down the president’s complaint that NAFTA was the worst trade deal ever it comes down to this: The powerful Canadian negotiators took unfair advantage of the innocent Americans. Not likely. Rather it seems that America has, at least temporarily, rejected assertiveness in its trade relationships in favour of a who-needs-stinking-rules determination to win. For sports teams this is possibly an effective strategy. For next door neighbours it presages difficulties in the long term.
6
A decade and half ago I was living on the South Side of Chicago and commenting as Chimoe. I thought when I returned to Canada it would be to Alberta and comment as Chimo because I often feel like an over cooked perogi. I moved back to Quebec which I left in 1970.
I apologize for not being convincing enough to explain fully why I thought there would never again be a United States of America and did not possess the words needed to explain that I didn't want to see the nation divided but understood the irreconcilable differences.
I remember the hostility my comments engendered but I lived in both Red and Blue America and knew them to be two different realities.
Nothing was done and what is left in America is two warring philosophies and no chance at dialogue.
For Canada and Red America there is no debate we are two nations with two different understanding on how the world works. Here in Quebec upwards of 80% do not believe in the God of Abraham and it is up to us to bring love and understanding into the political arena. If 75% of Americans believe in the God of Abraham I think 99% of Republicans believe in the Deity rejected by Franklin, Jefferson and Washington.
Canadians are not bitter, we respect differences and we are not the enemy. You elected a President who only understands winners and losers. We are a country that believes in trade and open borders and globalism based on win/win scenarios. We cannot deal with the GOP and their beliefs. Conservatism destroyed you.
9
I don't see the new "deal" helping Trump "gain" votes at this point in time. It will solidify his core supporters.But it is another thing that is inspiring the vast numbers of his enemies. Also, between now and the election, other scandalous news will keep coming out - and will dominate things during the election campaign.Thirty-million of Canada's 37 million people live within a two-and-a-half hour drive of the border with the USA. Nobody knows "America" better than us up north. It is so ironic that when your economy booms now, you are in the middle of the greatest political instability within memory. It makes Watergate look like a nothing because it also involves the issue of "traitor-ism." Americans have always held their high up as high as possible, but now is a time where it should lowered a bit. BOTH the USA's "right" and "left" behave like loudmouth radicals - which some of them are. Donald Trump has brought it all to the fore and it'll take a long time to clean things up - if ever. Republicans won't stand up to their leader - like they did with Richard Nixon. I'm hoping for the Democrats to take over House and even the Senate. But my fear is that many new Congressmen/women for the Democrats will quickly jump to their obsessive priorities - and lead to things moving very slowly. Country is a mess. Take away the Republican majorities on Capitol Hill. Win the Presidency in 2020.
1
"39 percent of Canadians polled said they had a favorable view of the United States..." Canadian readers: please, please understand that many Americans are not at all in agreement with the current president and detest his ignorance and inexcusable boorishness.
8
I watched Trump's latest rally where he mocked Dr. Ford before his cheering, jeering admirers in amazement at such a grotesque spectacle. If the house doesn't turn in your November elections, I'll really wonder if there's any hope left for you people. It's not a pretty sight from the outside looking in.
13
I don't like President Trump. It's not that he's anything I didn't expect him to be. It's not what he's actually done, which is a lot less than I expected. What irritates me the most is how the two combine. So, so much over the top, inane, lying ... garbage spewing forth, for NOTHING!
This stupid US-MCA thing. There's nothing in it besides the old NAFTA and a bit of the TPP. Trump had all that before he threw out the TPP, and he could have had that and a name change over a cup of tea. But, no... threats and lies and I'm reading to find the truth through the mud. I had better things to do than becoming a trade expert. Now, I know how bad the US agricultural subsidy system is, exactly how how much oil Canada exports to the US, and, if you take that out, how bad our actual balance of trade is with the US. All that I learned, for nothing.
But, that's the US President. As for America and the American people, I'm just waiting for Nov 6th. You elected that guy, he's your representative, and it's up to you. Get that Blue Sweep and we'll all laugh together at a lame-duck Trump for the next 2 years. Otherwise, every American gets to wear Trump and all the ill-will he's earned, and will continue to earn... because it's not going to stop. It's up to you. I'm just waiting. Canada is waiting. The rest of the world is waiting. Nov 6th. America chooses on Nov 6th.
13
We were reminded the hard way that the single deterministic driver of politics is self-interest. Self-interest federated by lobby groups which override civic interest, wealth distribution and global environmental concerns. Who cares what Canada thinks.
And yes, bullying paid off. Being the neighbour of the most powerful country may after all be more a concern than a blessing. The US democratic institutions are showing their true fading colours.
I hope that we will see voters walk the talk and remind the to-be leaders the great responsibility that normally accompany the power. May good journalism outlast this tide of populists. Americans deserve better leadership.
11
Myself and my family are frequent travellers to the US. I currently own a property in Florida that has been in our family for 50 years. Our family business primarily does business with US companies and is definitely threatened by the Trumplodytes attitudes toward trade with Canada.
While Trump and the Trumplodytes are still a slight minority in the US their numbers are no doubt growing and given that US domestic educational polices seem to favour destroying or re-writing history to the advantage of the xenophobic and militaristic amongst the American citizenry, I do not see the trend reversing significantly or any time soon.
I have already decided that if the Republicans win at the mid-terms I will sell my property in Florida. I do not want the tax dollars I pay there to continue to support Republican policies. I also have little interest in vacationing in hostile territory especially as my wife, who is black, cannot be safe amongst the racist elements in US society that are taking power politically.
Trump may yet prove to be an aberration but the damage he and his minions are doing is real and it will not be soon forgotten. Certainly if the Republicans take the mid-terms it will get much, much worse.
Canada must now look to the possibility of joining the EU. From a personal standpoint I could move my winter home from Florida to a Mediteranean country where my financial contributions to Florida's tax system and vacation expenditures will be more welcome.
.
13
The American government's disingenuous, belligerent tactics in the negotiation of this trade deal have left me angry and aggrieved. I am astounded that this amoral man has been allowed such freedom to destroy the relationships, protocols and principles upon and by which your country has been run since its birth. Grasping self- interest is now the supreme god of the United States. You have become what you went to war to overthrow in the American Revolution. It's very difficult to live and work alongside a narcissist, so yes, our relationship has been damaged.
12
Please remember, Canada, that the way the president behaves is not indicative to how the rest of the United States feels. Our country is bigger than just one man, and he certainly doesn’t speak for all. His actions are reprehensible, his method is tactless, and he has a beyond questionable relationship with the truth.
3
You know, as a Canadian who wants only what is best for our poor American neighbours, you really ought to give Monarchy a shot. You have some obvious candidates -- an Eisenhower or Kennedy or Bush or McCain or Obama, although being patriotic Americans and seeped in your ridiculous mythology about the "Revolution" and George III (who really wasn't that bad) they probably wouldn't accept the job. But honestly, who wouldn't prefer any of them, or any of our current royals, to a Trump. Sure - Charles isn't the sharpest knife in the draw, but then again neither Charles or either of his sons developed a case of bone spurs when it came time to serve the nation. Princes Andrew and Harry both found themselves being shot at when the time came. Going further back, so did Prince Phillip and the Queen's father when he was Prince Albert. Any of them could have easily stopped a bullet, gone down with their ship, or been blown up by an Exocet. They put themselves in harm's way -- something that no Trump ever did.
Anyway, with a constitutional monarch no demagogue like a Trump can grab power --- think about Juan Carlos and the attempted Spanish coup of 1981 -- without somebody having the ability to rein them in. And should some utterly unsuitable person find themselves King or Queen -- say an Edward VIII -- well it took us less than a year to get rid of him. What's taking you guys so long?
(Only partly tongue in cheek. Still pretty angry)
7
@curious
Spot on. Keeping the Monarchy in Canada is one of the sanest things we can do to keep the American bullies at bay. Keeping Canada in the Commonwealth is another.
Personally, I do not mind Prince Charles and I actually admire his environmental stances. He spoke with passion about Planet Earth long before the American Al Gore did. He was criticized for this at the time and did not back down.
God Save the Queen.
4
Every time I cross the border into British Columbia, I open my windows to breathe the free air of Canada.
15
@Sipa111 what a beautiful thing to say !
7
The tariffs on steel (25%) and aluminum (10%) were a spur of the moment move to impress the base. I once worked for British Steel which was nationalized so as to keep the cost of this key input to manufacturing low. In addition we imported iron ore from Murmansk (USSR) and exported rolled steel to the USSR. Every reasonable effort was made to make UK manufacturing competitive. Trump has now added to the cost of key inputs into US manufacturing which weakens US manufacturers and the USA. In Canada most people see that what we lost on the swings will be more than made up for on the roundabouts. We know that both the Democrats and Republicans threw US manufacturers under the bus beginning during the Reagan administration. The knowledge and finance economy was aided while manufacturing was handicapped as Asian goods flooded the US market. Trump is the first President that has recognized this and is actually doing something positive about it. In Canada we do not see the US or Mexico as unfair competition. We see Trump as being well intentioned but lacking business know how.
Canada needs to look elsewhere for trade and everything else whenever possible.
The US is a toilet, socially and politically. 42% approval of Trump?!! What does that say?
When Sandy Hook happened, they didn't protect their own children from gun violence by passing any type of gun reform.
They don't even believe healthcare is a right.
I avoid Americans, the US as a travel destination, US produce/products whenever possible.
Who isn't sick of Americans, their arrogance, and failed foreign policies of the past 60 years??
23
My father immigrated from Canada to the US, with his parents, when he was 2. My grandmother never became a US citizen, remaining a subject of the Commonwealth, until she died. One of my Canadian great uncles was gassed in WWI and could never talk above a whisper and another was shot in the shoulder in WWI and could not much use his right arm for the rest of his life. they fought with US soldiers, not against them. I was profoundly offended, with all of Canada, when Trump said Canada was a threat to the security of the US because half my family is Canadian. God willing, this Country will rid itself of Trump and we can resume our close friendship with the country on the other side of the longest unguarded (relatively) border in the world.
19
Living in a red state where the legislature has year after year refused to expand Medicaid for the working families who earn too little to qualify for Obamacare subsidies and seeing the cost of even old drugs that are essential for saving lives jacked up astronomically to feed insatiable greed Canda stands as an example of a people so like us that found the courage to say, "that just isn't right!"
No matter how much Trump may do to damage relations not just with Canada, with our other staunch allies, worldwide, or within our own borders, Trump's narcissistic reign of nearly daily lies and gut wrenching lack of morals will hopefully end with the 2020 presidential election. Then the long, hard task of repairing the damage can begin.
12
We can't blame Canadians if you have not forgiven us. Most of us have not forgiven ourselves for electing this clown. Let's look with hope to a brighter future post Trump.
11
The fact that the US system allowed a person like Trump to be president says it all. That an election could be stolen, that once that is exposed nothing can be done about it, that a fake "billionaire" sexist, bankrupt, liar can be taken seriously at all let alone become president. What has happened has exposed the huge differences between our 2 countries. I for one will be looking to spend my winter vacation money elsewhere.
13
As an American born in Canada, the first thing I did after 46minus1 was elected was get my Canadian passport and get my son's Canadian citizenship papers. Just as the Germans couldn't believe hitler could happen to them, Americans don't want to believe it can happen to them. It's happened. Believe it. If the Repubs hold the house in November, our worst demons will proliferate. Time to get out of Dodge.
13
But on the bright side - we have new BFFs - Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un!
5
Canada sent an entire brigade to Afghanistan in response to the 9/11 attacks. Bear in mind that there was no attack on Canada.
We were responsible for maintaining control of the province of Kandahar for some ten years and suffered 160-odd fatal casualties in doing so. On a per-capita basis, that puts our casualty right more or less the same as that suffered by American service personnel. If one extends the picture to shared campaigns in the two world wars and Korea, our casualty rate is significantly higher. My grandfather had a brother killed at Passchendaele. My other grandfather had a brother wounded at Dieppe -- two battles fought in two wars while Uncle Sam still had a toe in the water, wondering if he wanted to jump in. So imagine my feelings when I heard Americans -- like Trump -- label us as "free riders" during the recent round of trade arm-twisting.
So - as a Canadian speaking to Donald Trump and those who support him -- so long as that man is President, I will not knowingly purchase any product made in the United States. I will not travel to your country. And short of a direct attack on North America itself, it will be a cold day in hell before I support any Canadian government which is willing to spend a single drop of Canadian blood in the defense of the United States or its' interests. Those days are over. Nor am I alone. The consensus up here is -- and I do not exaggerate -- "with friends like you, who needs enemies?"
Yes. We are that angry.
40
@curiousHear, Hear.
11
I remember the Canadians in their embassy in Tehran saving the lives of US diplomats who had escaped from the US embassy during the hostage crisis. They may well have been executed without Canadians hiding them.
Post 9/11 their were literally hundreds of planes in the air coming back from Europe, loaded with Americans who were not given permission to land. They landed in Canada and were invited into peoples homes, feed, clothed and taken care of until they could come back into the US again.
Canada worked with FDR before we entered WW2. There was a large pro-Nazi 5th column in the US that kept us out until Pearl Harbor. Canada provided intel and teamed up with FDR to help the British hold off the Nazi's until public opinion changed.
They fought with us in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan. They are not just a nice neighbor. They are family. Trump should be ashamed of himself.
25
As a Canadian I would just note that our two countries do have a special bond that spans many centuries, disasters, and shared triumphs. Sure Canadians are constantly shocked by the President, but so are most people in the world.
If the Canada-US relationship can be shredded by a boorish oaf with little understanding of the world then it probably wasn't worth a damn. I would suggest that most of us see the problem for what it is and are waiting for brighter days ahead. Fear not good neighbours we will not turn our backs, close our hearts and take our syrup, skates, and hockey sticks and go home.
6
Like Melania I sure hope that love affair with Kim works out. If not there are not too many others lining up.
8
You persist in writing about these things as if they're news. As if now the negotiations are over, we can examine the aftermath.
But you surely knew, as "everybody" did, that our President was intentionally destroying every key supportive relationship we have on this planet.
You certainly knew his tongue-wagging, eye-googling, sarcasm and mockery, his "Oh yeah, what're you gonna do about it, Frenchy (Euros, Loser Brits, Stupid Mexicans, Milquetoast Canada, etc)?" tossed off like a curse endlessly and everywhere is designed to shatter good will and render all our relationships purely transactional.
Unless you-all are entirely dense, you've known all along this beastly demonstration would get us a couple of short-term Trump Wins, and permanently alter the long-term trade and diplomatic landscape to the detriment of America.
So yes, duh, those relationships are long gone. Our erstwhile allies have been out there for a year now discovering ways to conduct their lives without us or our hideous corporations and politicians.
They're never coming back, certainly not in the same form, unless we swallow our pride and ask nicely. Which, given American small-minded arrogance, is never going to happen.
Just as Trump and is impotent Republicans are willing to ride America into the dirt to get their way, they are willing to sacrifice the economy and the future some yet-to-be-born administration will struggle to negotiate for the price of a few meaningless wins today.
12
I am proud to be Canadian and feel Trumps treatment of Canadians was appalling and completely unnecessary. No amount of time will change the disgust that I and everyone I know feels about in particular his supporters who feel the dotard can do no wrong. This whole circus simply confounds and offends our sense of justice, inclusivity, decency, oh and manners? I find Trump a disgusting excuse for a president and the fact that his supporters think that his ill manners and boorish behaviour is a refreshing change from the "exclusivitiy" they feel the Democrats represent defies credibility.
The whole Kavanaugh debacle has even shown the world that Republican women care nothing about women's right not to be sexually assaulted. Astounding!!!
I won't buy anything made in America and won't be holidaying anywhere in America. That is small satisfaction.
16
Don’t hold against us Canada. It’s our Oligarchs you should be mad at. They run the show here.
1
Dear Canada,
Please excuse the temporary insanity. The US government has been taken over by lunatics. Don't quit us....we still love you. We just need to get out of this bad relationship.
Love,
The US majority
xoxo
7
As a Canadian, I know that the US is not just Trump and that there are many Americans who disagree with him in the most fundamental of ways. Many other Canadians would agree with me on this. What I can say is that even if I would enjoy going to the US, there are many other places that I will take my family on vacation. Ever since 2001, travelling through US security is just crazy. Bullying by US border guards is also not the best way to start a vacation. I live so close to the border but I've come to realise that there are many other ways to spend my time. That's really unfortunate and I often wonder how things have changed for the worse in so little time.
37
It is so embarrassing to be an American while trump is president. I am so ashamed of trump. I offer my apoligies, for trump, to Canada, and the rest of the world.
4
Yeah, I hate 42% of Americans as well. And I'm American.
5
Dear Canadians:
I'm sure you guys have schoolyard bullies up there. Imagine if one of them grew up and was nominated to become your prime minister, and, instead of your people overwhelmingly renouncing and rejecting him-- loved, cheered, and voted for him.
You think you have it bad? How would you like it if you literally lived next door to people like that. That's what the majority of people here are up against. At least you have a border. Remember, contrary to his delusional stances on the election results, he lost by three million votes.
Please still be our friends. Don't hate us. I like visiting you guys, you have a nice country with nice people. On my recent trip through the maritimes, I noticed nobody ever brought up Trump. Somebody finally clued me in that you guys have learned to keep your mouths shut because, and this truly is a quote: "Trump supporters get really angry and nasty."
Next time, I'm going to be wearing a DIY lapel button that reads: "I didn't vote for him."
Oh, by the way, I learned on that trip that one of the motivations for your confederation was fear that we were going to invade you. With our penchant for "manifest destiny," that idea was not so outlandish. You should always be wary of us...our hubris is utterly unbridled, and every once in a while a nasty man like our current president will momentarily grab power. Hopefully, it will all be over soon.
5
Definitely wear that button!!
4
@CF
In Canada, we had a leader that was divisive and ugly, by Canadian standards. When the election rolled around, we self-organized around the "anyone but Harper" campaign. He and his party were thoroughly trounced.
If we can do it, you can too. It doesn't really matter who you vote for, so long as you don't vote-spit, or simply not bother to vote, and end up having a person that hasn't renounced Trump being elected by mistake. It's not that hard to do. If all my other choices had been people that stood beside Trump, I'd have held my nose and voted for Harper. Many Americans will have to make that choice soon.
Make your choice on Nov 6th, because you'll probably have to live with the consequences for the rest of your life. That vote will actually define America's role in the world for a long time to come. It's America's time to chose. Do you still remember what democracy is? Get out, campaign, talk about what you believe, DO as you believe, and VOTE!
3
Once again the Times focuses on their own echo chamber, and in doing so ignores the "Heartland", or the Canadian equivalent. My own travels there, particularly in Alberta, tell a very different story and opinion about Trump. They love him! Not for his rough, sometimes idiotic ways - which don't matter at the end of the day - but how he sticks it to the elite. But that side of things probably won't play well to your readership, and it's obvious you made no attempt to get a feel for people's opinions outside of government or academia.
1
@Dave
This is what I don't understand. The entire thrust of his policy (tax cuts, de-regulation ) is aimed at the elite.
2
@DaveAlberta loves Trump? I guess they do. But not anywhere else in the country.
@Dave
"Sticks it to the elite?"
Trump inherited tens of millions of dollars. He's a rich kid who has never done a day's honest work in his life, because daddy showered him with money since before he could walk.
He IS the elite.
The only people he sticks it to are disadvantaged and undereducated blue collar Americans - oh yes and his democratic allies.
I'd love to sit down and play poker with you sometime Dave. You are ripe for picking.....
7
The peoples of the World can now see how fragile even the Best of Relationships between two Nations can be. A single President can tear asunder the Bonds of Friendship fostered over 150 years.
9
Hey, Canada - I agree with you 1000%. Can I come live up there?
7
@ejb: Two questions: -- and here we pretty much sum up the distinction between Canadians and Americans -- (1) Do you believe that a decent system of public health care accessible to all is a "bad" thing, and (2) can the phrase "well regulated militia" be reasonably interpreted as meaning "pretty much anybody"? If the answer to both is "no", then sure -- come on up.
13
I hope Canadians know that many of us here in the US are so embarrassed and ashamed to have this man representing our Nation. As to his behavior, you are in good company. He insults many of his citizens daily.
There is no relationship possible because there is no United States of America. It is impossible to have a relationship with both Red and Blue America and Red America is the enemy of everything Canada values like truth and justice.
6
Well, I hope CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) starts treating Americans traveling North like mexicans and central americans legally seeking entry into the U.S. And I hope the Canadians are savvy enough to stop spending their winters in Florida, so that Trump's mob there can feel the pain.
4
Please Canada don't build a wall along the northern border and make us pay for it. If you have to deport any American families keep them together while they are being processed. Those of us who still value you as a friend are hard at work attempting to stanch the petulance before it seeps into your country.
1
Canada is just one of countless countries alienated by Trump and the poisonous far right. The U.S. is no longer a pleasure destination, it’s a place that most Canadians go only if their jobs require it, and we are not alone. We don’t hate Americans and we are aware that the majority did not put that creature in office but the damage he is inflicting will take a long time to heal. Should he take a second term the divorce will become final.
7
Much more than NAFTA the difference between American values and Canadian values is what tells me the relationship between Canada and the USA is over and there will be no reconciliation.
At the closing of the Asian summit President Duterte railed against Canada saying our insistance on human and workers rights was an interference with Philippine sovereignty. Duterte was joined by Trump in this attack.
When Saudi Arabia said it was none of Canada's business that they imprison, torture and kill journalists the USA and the rest of the world condemned Canada for interfering with Saudi sovereignty and even if those imprisoned had dual Saudi and Canadian citizenship it was none of Canada's business how journalists and other dissidents were treated.
I am Canadian and my wife is American but we both understand that if we don't stand up for decency there will be no one there for us when they come for us and our family.
I am sad the USA is no more but when we see the children in cages and when we see the lies , distortion and hatred spewed forth by American leadership we are troubled. America no longer stands for the values we hold sacred. America has never been perfect and neither has Canada. The best we ever hoped for was an attempt to understand and deal with our baser instincts. America has given up and all we can do is try to keep Canada on the right path and I am afraid we must isolate ourselves from the corruption America has embraced.
15
To protect my sanity, I now enjoy reading news from USA with the premise that Americans deserve Donald Trump and the feckless G.O.P.
The once cozy feeling towards USA is going to remain frosty on a personal level after the NAFTA negotiations. Trump's insults hurled at Trudeau and Freeland are unforgivable. With friends like USA who need enemies? The bitter taste of being blackmailed by the US administration will linger for a long time. Canada must hurry to diversify trading across the globe, away from USA.
American and Canadian values do share similarities, being both countries built by accepting immigrants. But in recent decades the divergence in value is getting sharper on issues such as LGBT rights, abortion, gun laws, death sentence, overt racism, single-payer health system, mean spirited politics, the evangelical phonies, environmental protection and banking oversight systems. Personally I will stop traveling to USA unless absolutely necessary. It is a dangerous place where people can be gunned down any minute anywhere, and my dollars are better spent on Canadian soil.
12
I am a Canadian, but made the US my home for more than 30 years. I raised my children in the US and for many years I loved the US. For many years you could not hold dual citizenship and I held on to my Canadian citizenship, because I did not like the way the US treated the old, the sick or the poor. A quirk in the law allowed my children the ability to hold dual citizenship and I made sure they got it. When Trump began to run for office, the law had changed, and I also got my American citizenship, because I knew then it would be harder to cross the border and I believed that if we could elect a man like Trump crossing would be more difficult. My older son went to school in Canada and did not come back to the states. I followed when I stopped being able to afford health care and my other son voted with his feet, when Trump was elected. I travel around the world and all I can say is that virtually everyone I talk to, everywhere, is embarrassed for the US. At the beginning of the summer in Europe, there were US goods on the shelf in the grocery store, at the end many items had disappeared. I am back in Canada now and I asked my sons, would they ever go back and the answer was a resounding "NO WAY". I have friends who's adult children are starting the process to try to immigrate. I fell in love with America, when I moved to NY in the 1980's, but now I don't even visit. It's a mean place, run by a fool, that treats it's weakest and most vulnerable citizens with malice.
16
I am an American-Canadian who moved to Canada as a child. A large portion of my family still resides in the United States, and I used to visit them on a regular basis. However, I will not travel to the US as long as the current President is in office. He shows incredible disrespect to Canada every time he speaks about our nation.
Canada is America's closest ally. After 9-11 Canada immediately moved to support the US against the Taliban and in the War on Terror, and 158 Canadians died and 635 were wounded working with the Americans in Afghanistan. The anger felt by most Canadians will lessen over time, but America has significantly damaged one of its strongest alliances because of the president's actions.
8
For many years we camped in Maine, but with children studying in different parts of Canada we had not been back for many summers. In 2016, we decided to go back to Hadley's Point for one more time, "in case Trump got elected and we couldn't go back". Well, he did and we won't. We also will not buy any American goods, especially American milk which is allowed to contain antibiotics and hormones. The many individual Americans we've met and know are lovely people, but your current president seems to be another matter. This Trumpian farce would be funny if he wasn't hurting so many people.
41
I always believed that the United States was the most progressive country and a staunch believer of Human Rights. I have come to the realization that this is simply not true. Ever since he attacked women’s right, transgenders in the military, and now the insults to our Government and representatives; my family and I are doing our very best to buy Canadian made products or products from any other country than the United States. We also believe in protectionism - but human rights and respect is what the average Canadian hold dear to our hearts. It’s hard to believe little Canada is bigger and better than the United States. I thought we stood together. Apparently not.
7
I live on the border. My home is right on the Detroit River and I can see America as easily as you can see your shoes. Thank heaven for that river because the differences in attitude are breathtaking. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are a far cry from peace, order and good government. Taxes in Canada redistribute the wealth of the country. In America taxes are considered confiscations. There are too many differences and not enough similarities. You are welcome to have Donald Trump as your leader and you are welcome to the Republican Party where progress may be defined as one step forward, two steps back.
12
Canadians and US Citizens, Canadian business and US business.
We get along just fine.
Justin Trudeau needs to apologize to his people, he promised to hold off on any new NAFTA until ‘climate change’ and other stuff was added to it, then bent like a leaf when the pressure got to him.
But as for regular folk and regular business, we are all getting along just fine, thank you very much.
“He not only used rude language, he threatened our economic welfare,” Mr. McKenna said. “And he seemed to do it with great glee. People won’t forget that. I think that’s now deep in our psyche — the way we were treated by this president.”
So, you're treated the same as this president treats US citizens.
7
I notice that over the past months Trump has tweeted his negative comments about Trudeau, as he has about other men, but was quite cordial in their presence.
The only leaders he has spoken to directly in a negative way are Theresa May and Angela Merkel.
See a pattern here ? Pure cowardice. Classic Trump.
8
I think he has a woman hatred happening.
7
As a US citizen, I would like to extend my apologies to Canada and all Canadians.
Hopefully, rational and empathetic US citizens will reclaim our country and put it back on an even keel as a force for good.
6
Things will never be the same for me.
9
We will somehow stumble through the next two years until the elections in 2020.
But no Canadian should ever doubt the profound affection and friendship that the average man and woman on the streets of the US have for Canada,
As for Prime Minister Trudeau - - Keep up the good work !!!!
10
@smithtownnyguyPerhaps 2024? I cannot depend on a group of people who were conned not to be conned again. This is much harder to cure, than to get.
4
@smithtownnyguy: Sorry -- but I've got to ask? Profound affection and friendship? We are your closest neighbour. Your biggest trade partner. Canadian soldiers fought alongside yours' in Korea and Afghanistan. But how many of your countrymen and women know that? Or can name our capital? Or any of our Provinces? Our Prime Minister -- at least before last June and Trump's initial ranting? How many can name our Head-of-State? Any city outside of Toronto and Montreal? Or have the least hint of the words to our national anthem? Things which any Canadian knows as a matter of course about the United States. And when did any Canadian Guard-of-Honour disrespect your flag by displaying it upside-down? Yeah -- that happened. At the World Series in Atlanta in 1992. Rest assured, we Canadians have long memories, albeit we thought we had gotten used to that sort of thing. None of us ever thought it would go this far, though.
Anyway, the point is that "friends" know each other. We know you but, I'm sad to say, clearly you don't know us.
4
Most people I know here in Western Washington desperately wish that Canada would reclaim this land and let us come with it. We have no desire to be associated with this president, his fans, or their viewpoints.
My children are lucky, two of the three are dual citizens and are living happily and safely in Canada. I just wish I'd been able to get citizenship before the marriage ended.
I miss living in Canada.
14
@H.W. Your children can sponsor you:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immig...
5
@H.W.
I have a feeling we'd welcome you back if you applied.
Once of age, your children could sponsor you.
3
If Americans do not reject Trump in 2018 and 2020, not because of his treatment of Canada, but because he provides a horrible image of the United States, his policies threaten the economies and the security of the entire world, he is a disgusting example of a human being, and the U.S. has lost its important leadership role in the Western World then the relationship with, not only Canada, but most of the world will be irretrievably broken for a generation.
17
"Gone" is a big word, but most Canadians are angry and disappointed with your president's words and actions. Look, I get it - Trump is unique, a bizarre one-off. His antics are mostly those of a man in helpless submission to debilitating narcissism. Those antics, when aimed at our country, are hurtful, but consider the source. The problem is, 42% of Americans approve of Trump's presidency. That is a fact that is much harder to excuse.
Looking south across the border is becoming increasingly jarring. Canada in many ways has much more in common with the rest of the industrialized world than with the U.S. We provide a form of universal health care. Our schools are safe. Our police try to avoid shooting people. I feel like the insularity and lack of curiosity about the rest of the world that many Americans exhibit makes them incapable of registering how out of sync you guys are with the rest of us. It's tough to watch the extreme tribalism and the loss of decency.
We used to take pride in sharing the longest undefended border in the world. maybe, in time, we will again. Personally, I will not cross the border while your current president serves. An inconsequential stand, surely, but a stand nonetheless.
34
As a Canadian-born US citizen who has lived most of my life in this country, I’m appalled by the way Trump and his minions are treating our closest ally—most of our allies, actually. Trump’s brutish, fascist behavior is what you’d expect from the head of a crime family. He has no appreciation of historical partnerships, no concept of statesmanship and no comprehension of friendship. I find myself apologizing to every citizen of my country of birth that I meet for the freak show that our politics has become. Whether the US electorate corrects this abomination in the years ahead or not, real damage has been done and we’ll be living with the scars for a long time.
15
President Trump is just being himself, does anyone expect anything else. He has lashed out at people all over the world and he will continue to respond in an inappropriate emotional way. I have traveled extensively in the United States and I have always been treated well everywhere I have visited. I am sure I will be well received in the future wherever I go. Can't wait. God bless America.
5
My cousin lives in San Diego, it is my turn to go down to see her. I had to confess to her that I cannot come, I just cannot step foot in your country until Trump is gone. You have no idea how Canadians collectively feel after this protracted and very political dissing of our beloved Canada over NAFTA. We do not rage on, it's not our nature to rant and rave, but know this, the hurt runs deep and will not soon be forgotten. Every time he said “Canada has treated us very badly”, he twisted the knife in a little deeper just to gain political points. He tossed our history, our long-standing friendship in to a trash-can for a “win” and a rebranding, it's that simple for him.
Not only did Trump put our Prime Minister on his enemies list, he added our Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland, (our chief NAFTA negotiator) to that list by saying his team didn’t like her. The relationship Trump and our Prime Minister was good until Trudeau stood up for Canadians and said we would not be pushed around by your president. He immediately became Trump's target, we all did.
So, America please show us this is not who you are, we need a sign that there is still hope for civility, kindness, decency and good. Show it on November 6th, please.
Oh, and we will never call this agreement anything but NAFTA!
27
@HollyYou sound like my wife - who also has a cousin in San Diego.
5
I have been to Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and PEI and have enjoyed my time spent there. The people are friendly, gracious and humble. It is a disgrace when one of our closest allies, and one we share the longest border with, is treated in this manner.
My future discretionary vacation spending will be spent visiting Canada to help mend fences.
19
Of course, no one likes to be insulted or threatened.Trump has insulted our PM and threatened Canada's economic well being but I always suspected that his over the top comments were because Canada failed to cave to his demands on NAFTA. Now that we have a trade deal that on balance is good for both countries I think we will start to repair our relationship. The Canada/US relationship is deep and we share many values that are not dependent on a particular President or PM. Canadians realize that most Americans do not reflect the worst aspects of President Trump...we are neighbours and friends at the end of the day.
5
These pigeons will come home to roost. A time will come when Americans of the sort that support Mr. Trump will be shocked and indignant when the US needs Canada's help, and don't get it.
People who bully others have a way of forgetting that they did, while the bullied never forget. The great irony of all this is that the shiny new trade deal with Canada is essentially the same as the bad ol' NAFTA. We've profoundly angered a close ally and friend, yet again, for little gain other than smug claims of victory.
14
I understand the pain. Since I grew up near the Canadian border my trips to that immense and friendly country were frequent and always delightful. I understood that the Canadian relationship with America was ambivalent; based as it was on admiration for American size and variety of social expression, but tempered by the realization that few Americans really knew much about Canada.
Like other Americans I can apologize for this nut we have as President. But the deeper concern for Canadians must be the rapid divergence of the ethos of our countries. Canada is rediscovering and cultivating European roots and is approaching an EU relationship on the model of the Scandinavians. God knows what direction America is taking, there is much ominous talk of a widening split that some compare to the 1960’s in terms of social divisions, and others compare to the deeper cultural and political divisions of the Civil War. America is a more brutal, Hobbesian place, it’s culture abased and manipulated by cynical apparatchiks who understand that a poorly educated mass population are suckers for the most notorious nonsense.
Canada should stand for its independent identity and continue to forge relationships with like minded social democracies wherever they exist. Reliance on a “special relationship” with someone as unstable as Trump is sure to disappoint.
21
After reading half of the posted comments I feel better. The reason is, our northern neighbors mostly hit the nail on the head with their disparaging feelings towards 45.
He pulled out of NAFTA, got a new one, and has strewn "bodies" everywhere. I'm a republican, but don't talk much about it right now, 45 is a universal embarrassment to our citizens and what we really stand for.
13
Trump is really big on "sovereignty". I wonder how he'd feel if Canada exercised its sovereign right and allowed China to station troops in their country like we have in South Korea.
6
Yes, Trump is no longer amusing, and the GOP is not that grand. But here's what counts: With or without your friendship or your trade my children will live healthier lives than yours; they will live longer lives than yours; they won't die in bankruptcy because of of the cost of surgery, of hospital care, of an ambulance ride, or of prescription drugs. They will be less obese, better educated, and more caring of their compatriots.
Nor will their children endure anything akin to the lasting shame of America for its Trumps, its McConnells and its Kavanaughs.
27
This president insults his citizens daily. He is also deep in our psyche, sadly. Apologies. We value Canada.
7
Like it or not Trump is your representative. As such, his cancereous thinking and actions has exposed an unwellness that flows through the veins of the American psyche. How would you feel and act if a new neighbor moves in next door wanting to rip up the fence because its two inches on his property? Then continues to threaten your family. This is not something that goes away. I remember it when I buy that Avacodo; making sure that the label says Mexico and when I buy my cheese without the growth hormones from the US. I remember it when I book my golf tournament in British Columbia and not Washington. Sadly, I remember.
19
This is another key reason for not voting for businessmen for President. The governmental incompetence, lack of respect for established international policy, threatening long standing allegiances and in Trump’s case, an amoral, dissolute libertine approach to women, innate corruption, low impulse control, lack of professional decorum within the Presidency and much more.
I do not blame the Canadians or any other nationality for chafing under Trump’s gross disrespect of their government and their policies.
13
Canadian here: I really don't care about any of this. Its a business relationship, case closed. Some time ago someone said to me, in a trade negotiation, "I don't have friends, I only have interests." He was right.
1
@Daniel: we'll remember that, next time you call for our troops to come and help out. Like in Korea and Afghanistan. 25,000 went to Korea and 500 died. In Afghanistan, 160 were killed and 2,000 wounded. Good luck getting any more to come, 'cause it isn't going to happen. And as a result, American service people are going to die who otherwise might not have.
Was it worth it?
2
Like so many relationships damaged by Trump, the one with Canada may be beyond repair. Canadians won't soon forget the abuse they have suffered at the hands of Trump or the poisonous rhetoric of the Trump cheerleaders. Put simply, the US can no longer be fully trusted as a friend and ally. Even if Trump gets voted out in 2020, there will be a smarter, wilier Trump-like figure waiting in the wings in 2024 to whip up the base's xenophobia and tribalism. The die has been cast and America will never be the same again.
The US is to some kind of information-age civil war for the soul of the country. With its next door neighbor apparently on a path to ruin, Canadians are understandably very worried about the future.
23
My company depends on good relations with Canada. We partner on a number of projects and Trump's actions have strained the bonds we always took for granted partly because we could not tell where Trump was heading from one moment after another. His interference costs us and our Canadian counterparts. Good faith and business go hand-in-glove. Trump has never offered good faith to anyone. He's a racketeer high on presidential power . . .
8
Half of my relatives are American citizens. When our families fled Stalin's occupation of the Baltics at the end of WWII, some of us ended up in Canada and an equal number settled in New York, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, North Dakota, Colorado. Half of my friends (and most of my best friends) are former Canadians who now are American citizens or Americans who now are Canadian citizens. Back in my university days in Montreal groups of us (half of them Americans studying at McGill) regularly took hiking and camping trips into New York, Vermont, New Hampshire. At that time, often the only question we were asked at the border was if we had any oranges (which would have had to be confiscated and destroyed). Heading back into Canada all that border officials were concerned about was the cost of anything we might have purchased while in the States. There were no line-ups and crossing the border was a mere formality.
It is different now, and the change in perception and attitude parallels the increasingly nasty political polarization in the United States itself. The responsibility for both, as I see it, rests with the aggressive right and its sneering hostility towards anything allegedly connected with "liberals" and "the left". This is not a good thing for either the internal or external interests of you country.
17
I feel sorry for you many Americans who are appalled by your President. On our numerous past visits to the United States, we have always felt welcomed by the individuals we've met. However, if I travel to the US now, I will find myself wondering if I am speaking to somebody who thinks that the words and actions of the President are appropriate (in the trade talks, in this case). And I will no longer feel as welcomed as before.
18
I'm an American. Our very good friends are Canadians. We often visit Canada and enjoy its people and culture. Even now with his presidential alerts Trump will never change that.
10
Believe me, there are a lot of Americans that don’t support 45’s ideas and methods. We miss the relationship with our once closest ally, and we resent how Canada has been treated the past 21 months. He has destroyed the relationship with pretty much every ally we’ve had. Many of us are frightened that if there is a time when we would need our allies support, they won’t be there for us. I won’t apologize for him or his supporters. I will apologize for those of us that miss the relationship we had with Canada. We resent him for making our allies believe that we feel as he does. We don’t.
9
@P Lock The Presidential Alerts yesterday was a test of a national public warning system that has been in the making for many years, including under Obama. It is outside the control of the President except in an emergency. It is not a "retweet" platform or anything remotely similar. Once again the Times readers are ignorant of key, basic facts.
I was brought up near the Canadian border, spent summers at Prince Edward Island and in Quebec and Ontario, and still spend a lot of time in Canada (though U.S. border patrol does not make it easy to get back). My son's fiance is Canadian.
I am appalled and embarrassed at the way Trump has treated Canada and I feel the same way about my fellow U.S. citizens who have supported Trump. Appalled and embarrassed doesn't really cover it. My apologies to Canada. Soon you will be the ones wanting to build a wall (and I don't blame you) on your southern border. But please, if this travesty continues into a second term - please first let in some refugees from the disenfranchised blue states.
33
@LibertyNY...Feel free to rush to the nearest Canadian port of entry. Remember to take your check book with you. The last time Canada welcomed Americans with open arms was during the Viet Nam War. Draft dodgers were given the royal treatment in Canada back then. But, today is a different story. If you don't have the bucks, you don't get the visa. Canada has a very strict immigration policy, and it doesn't have open borders. Try our other aggrieved ally and friend, Mexico. Maybe they will welcome you with open arms.
2
As a Canadian, I can attest to the treatment of Canada and Trudeau by the belligerent t-Rump. This is not how you treat friends and we will not forget easily.
27
@heysus
I hope that you can dissociate our very unpopular president from most of the US citizens.
What can I say that this article and others haven’t already said? Only that I think the Canadians who where interviewed are too optimistic. The general public in Canada has always had a love/hate relationship with our southern neighbour who always seemed to at best to forget us. Yes, we are ‘nice’ but like the USA we have a deep rooted pride which was insulted. And we have a deep memory. The overall sense of ugly tweets and television interviews here in the north was not of tough negotiation tactics, but of finally hearing what Americans really think of us.
The joke in the north about the ‘lovable but ignorant American’ has changed to mutterings of purely ‘ignorant’ among other charges. Your current head of state my not have been the choice of all Americans, but he does speak for all of you in his position. I suggest that you change your mouth piece.
39
#45 does not speak for the majority of Americans. I resent how he’s treated Canada and every ally we’ve ever had. We understand how you feel listening to his horrific plans, as we do also. We’re horrified by how he belittles both our allies and Americans alike. Every time he opens his mouth, he just gets more and more reprehensible and hated. He has lied to both Canadians and Americans. Every day it’s another lie. Those of us on the other side of the aisle than the republicans are trying desperately to equalize our government back to the democracy we’ve always respected. Unfortunately, it’s becoming a one party government, which our forefathers never wanted. They’re turning in their graves seeing what we’ve become.
1
@Heather we are working on changing 'the mouth piece'
Canadian here. There isnt enough space to write all that can and should be said about the politics in America. I am shocked but not surprised, this was coming; can it be reversed, can America save itself morally? Because for me, that is what it comes down to. Big business is running America like like a banana republic, and trump is trying to stack the Supreme Court of the United States of America. trump, of all people. Get down on your knees and pray America, because it is going to literally take a miracle to save you. In the mean time, we plan to purchase as little as possible from you and be tourists ANYWHERE else, to be safe; your president threatened our very livelihoods, our stability as a trade ploy, because he is a morally bankrupt thug who thinks he can be president by bullying, and no other qualification-it is painful to see him make fools of you all. We are expecting some country he has insulted to exact revenge; also expect A LOT of Canadians who never smoke cannabis to claim they do just to stay out of your country permanently. God help America, please.
89
Lori-
Many of us here in the US agree with your assessment and are repulsed by this sociopath running our country into the proverbial ground. Many of us mourn each day and my father who proudly fought for this country, is rolling in his grave.
7
@Lori Cameron...Save your moral posturing for your own political problems. How's the First Nations thing progressing? What's with the Frenchies always trying to break away from the Federation? Are you still clubbing baby seals? Alberta tar sands are killing the planet. Why is your PM allowing that? How can you live with the internment atrocities you committed? Which is more deplorable, the Prairie Provinces or the Atlantic Provinces? Don't even mention the loonies on the Left Coast. Speaking of smoking pot, how is your drug abuse epidemic working out? God save your Queen!
@Lori Cameron
"God help America"
I don't think so, I think God is looking long and hard at America.
Once I believed in a benevolent Diety, perhaps deep down I still hope, but looking at our selfish self-serving and self-righteous nation these days, causes me to fear for mankind.
The words of Matthew 25:31-40, come to mind.
When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory. And before him shall be gathered all nations, and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats, And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink. When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in. or naked, and clothed thee, Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee.
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
As a tour guide I meet many Americans off cruise ships. They are not your best people, to paraphrase your silly leader. They are racist and ignorant. And they don't even have the decency to be embarrassed. They think Canada is a friendly country to visit. Wrong.
41
@stu: or at least, not anymore.
2
@stu
My, what a broad brush to tar 325 million folks.
1
@Byron Jones: sad to say, but my experience has been that said broad brush sums up the situation pretty well. Skis, in July, etc., etc.
2
I was and still am outraged at how he treated Canadians. I don't see much of a trade agreement I see a separation agreement. I don't see USMCA I see it U SCAM.
38
@Edward Agreed
4
trump has turned our government into one devoted to hate, cruelty, and graft. It is run by stupidity and ignorance. My best guess as to why is that trump is doing Putin's work, lowering America, shattering it, if possible. And of course supported by a GOP that mirrors this hate, greed and stupidity.
36
@ronnyc
Trump is the finest example of an ugly American caught in the headlights of the world. It is sad that the GOP for political and greedy desires follows this corrupt clown.
Elections count...November
4
Come back when you no longer have your reprobate president and ethic-less Republican led House and Senate in place. Then maybe - maybe - we'll talk.
50
sorry neighbors for the 'weird' US attitude... but we are working on excising that issue.. TRUST is hard to get back.. but we will try once we get a normal POTUS
19
I ditto exactly your post.
2
@rn
Trump is a normal POTUS. In his 1992 NYT nonfiction best seller Voltaire's Bastards (The Dictatorship of Reason in the West) Canadian historian, philosopher and press freedom advocate John Ralston Saul told us your country would soon be led by men like Trump, McConnell and Kelly whose words and deeds defined worthless. There is no United States making the (President of the) meaningless.
We in Canada have a very deep state and it is exactly that deep state that has been destroyed. The deep state is what holds us together and has us believing in truth justice , peace order and good government.
6
All these crocodile tears from Canadians are disgusting. Finally FAIRNESS has entered into the relationship and all they can do is weep and talk about boycotting us. I say 'So what."
2
@Ryan Is it not enough that we are a giant country next to Canada? We have several Canadians spending the winter
here in our neighborhood of 200 or so homes. Usually very good neighbors.
Why would you say Canada has been unfair to us? When living in Michigan we spent a lot of time in Canada. I always felt very much at home there.
23
@Ryan NAFTA wasn't changed much - TPP provisions were added - but your President was too dense to sign that trade agreement. It's really the same agreement with some tweeks, but if the punters believe it's fairer, who am I to argue. You believe what you want to believe.
@Ryan - Do you know that Trump admitted lying to Trudeau's face about the trade numbers? Do you know that?
1
Yes, the British did burn down The White House, but the Canadians fought as Canadians in Canada in the War of 1812. Consult any Canadian history resource.
10
@Dwight.in.DC Canada was not a country in 1812.
3
@Dwight.in.DC Your reference please?
@Dwight.in.DC: I'm afraid he's right folks -- or sort of right, not that it's relevant to much in the 21st century outside of we military history wonks. Canada is the successor nation to the colonies of British North America, and as such our army has its' roots in British and local forces from the time. Most Canadian regiments in Ontario and Quebec -- as the successor units to the local militias at the time -- have the battle honour "Defence of Canada: 1812 -- 1815". Some also have "Detroit", embroidered on their colours for their participation in the campaign that took that city in 1812, or "Queenston Heights" where Sir Isaac Brock repelled the initial American invasion of what was then called "Upper" Canada. Some have "Chryslers' Farm" or "Chateauguay" from British/Canadian victories in 1813, or "Lundy's Lane" from 1814. So it's hard to say that our army didn't participate in that war.
No Canadian units, however, have "Blandensburg" from the campaign in which Washington was burned in their battle honours. That was entirely a British affair -- most of the units were composed of Wellington's Peninsular veterans, released by Napoleon's initial abdication in 1814.
2
As a 68 year old American I completely understand the feelings expressed in the postings for this article. Those of us who didn't vote for him are continually upset by his behavior. It would help if those of you who are upset would write directly to express your feelings. For instance, the one person who said he would not vacation in Florida, please express that to the Florida tourism dept. or perhaps the Governor. Remember that more than 3,000,000 more voters voted for Clinton than Trump and if we didn't have the electoral college, she would be the President. The good news is that I have heard from some trump voters in the extended family who will not vote for him again. And I never hear of Clinton voters changing sides to vote for him. Of all the Americans who could have been President, it is disheartening that a person like him gets to that position. It would be hard to understand how his statements have gained him any female votes. Or any minority votes for that matter. It certainly has energized women who I know, in my family and friends and community. That is very good news. It may help to switch the House to Democratic which can put some checks on him. He is at heart a bully, I'm convinced, but a dangerous one. He needs to be voted out in 2020 for sure. I got off track here, but please if you protest with your pocketbook tell the establishments why you are doing so so they can see the effect he's having on their business.
34
God Bless America, I am praying that God would make Trump teachable and humble enough to learn from his mistakes. And Yes, I am asking for a miracle. Or several.
12
I suggest also prayers to St Jude, patron saint of desperate cases and lost causes. America needs all the help we can get.
3
@Bruce Greenwood
S0 this means you'll stop taking roles in US productions?
1
Trump is not the problem but a symptom. To those of you who say that Trump does not represent you or your Country I respectfully disagree. To be blunt, the United States represents unfettered capitalism and greed. When I started working for a US multinational 30 years ago a senior manager from the US explained that everything the country does it for the benefit of business. It was something she felt that I needed to understand as a Canadian working for a US corporation. The first rule of a successful Con is not how clever the Con but how greedy the mark. Donald trump and the Republican party are Con-Artists with the greediest marks in the world to play with. American individualism is just a nice way to dress up individual greed at the expense of collective health, wealth and good government for the people.
52
It will take a long time and a lot of hard work on our part to repair the real damage, pain and hurt that Trump has done to our relationships with all of our allies. What we did to Canada is the international relations version of spousal abuse. Forgive Us Canada
14
One hopes Mr Trump will soon end up incarcerated in oblivion and that a close and cordial relationship with Canada will be restored. Trump's manner of speaking to and dealing with Canada (and with everyone else in the world) is an embarrassing to Americans and harmful to their interests.
14
Now that Canada has stopped the hemorrhaging except in steel and aluminium, it is time for her to quietly establish partnerships that will make her no longer susceptible to this kind of US bullying. I fear this is not an aberration, and that the isolationist and unilateral tendencies on display here reflect a truer America than a few decades of apparent collaboration.
22
I want to say Canada is better off taking the high ground, hoping trump is gone in two years but suffering such humiliation is amazing. I hate to admit it but I think trump did have the upper heavy hand and he backhanded our best friends, while insulting them. As an American, I apologize for this presidents actions. Please don’t believe all Americans are like trump.
19
I'm a citizen of one country (Canada) but have family in both countries, and have had family in both countries for many generations. I have travelled to the US often, both professionally and to visit family members. I have no issue with most Americans, though there are many whose ignorance of other countries, including Canada, is simply breath-taking. Like the vast majority of Canadians, however, I take issue with the president on most things. The catalogue of his insults is long, his friendship is at best ephemeral and likely to change to his reflex bullying at any time. Most Canadians are polite most of the time. So I'll politely suggest that he never darken our door again. He isn't welcome here and if he ever shows his face again, we'll be sure to let him know he should just go home and that he should never come back again.
39
@Peter S Ignorance exists on both sides of the border. However, I do take exception with American ignorance when those with post secondary education know NOTHING about my country. That is a symptom of the disease we see now in the US - fatal ignorance.
4
It takes a moment to break trust. It takes years to rebuild it.
27
@Robert It arrives on foot and leaves on horseback. It's going to take a states person with incredible diplomatic skills to turn this around not just in Canada. The rest of the World is watching and feeling it too.
1
We are indeed "Children of a Common Mother" as the Peace Arch at the border proclaims. We both benefit in a number of ways from our internationally unique relationship. In Canada the anti Trump call resonates with the same self satisfied morally superior crew that rails against him in the US. He is the President of the United States now because many Americans were fed up with having their future given away. Canada will soon be electing a Conservative federal government for exactly the same reason and it can't happen too soon.
1
@Tony Francis, your Conservative Harper was the most destructive prime minister in Canadian history. He wantonly ordered the destruction of decades of irreplaceable scientific artifacts and data.
23
@Tony Francis Thin at best my brother, thin at best.
But your are correct - the conservative party has made a cozy home for the darker elements of our great country that we are thankfully leaving in the dust of history.
4
@Tony Francis I too live in BC. We anti-Trumpers are morally superior because he quite clearly has no morals. I think it is safe to say the majority of Canadians are morally superior to him. He is only president because of Daddy's money, fraud and an electoral college which caused the voice of the majority of Americans to be overridden. And Russia of course. I have been trying not to buy American, or visit the US (in spite of living blocks from it) since our relationship deteriorated to the mess it is in now. It makes me very sad. I lived in Texas for 5 years and there is much I love about the US and it's people. I hope the next president attempts to repair our relationship.
11
We love Americans but we are distressed with an increasingly hostile America. The divide will grow, not from spite, but because of our need for self-preservation. Canadians never thought this could happen. But it is. And we empathize with those Americans who are witnessing the fabric of justice and civility being torn and destroyed before their eyes. History may look back at the coming mid-term elections as the moment Americans reclaimed their democracy or lost it. This would would have been dismissed as hyperbole 18 months ago. Not today.
23
The divide is growing wider in our own country because of trump. He has created the divide in such a short amount of time, it’ll take years to reverse. He has regressed our own country to decades, if not centuries ago.
2
@David
Who says we love Americans?
4
President Trump has neither earned my respect nor my trust. That is a feat no other American President has accomplished.
My daughters find him so upsetting that they refuse to consider visiting us in Florida over Christmas. So, we will not visit the USA this winter in order to try to experience a "Merry family Christmas".
Something I always felt has been destroyed - trust in America. I cannot see it being restored while Canada is regarded as a "national security threat" to the USA subject to tariifs on our steel and aluminum production.
"So long, it's been good to know you".
38
Dear Northern Neighbors,
We don't blame you for being upset. Please understand that, although it may not look that way in the media, a majority of us are just as appalled as you are, and are tearing our hair out over the current state of affairs.
We value you as friends and allies. Please try to be patient while we attempt to clean up the unprecedented mess being made by our revolting toddler in chief and his heinous enablers. It may take some time, but hopefully we'll get it done sooner than later. The alternative is unthinkable.
Sincerely,
One American (who happens to being living in London and gets to freak out about Brexit as well..)
18
@KB Then the person following Trump best have 5 star diplomacy skills and will be on a plane out of the country a lot to undo the damage done in the time Trump has been President.
1
Yesterday I was trying to imagine life after Trump is no longer president. Will groups (and countries) refuse to invite him to cultural events and public functions to which the former presidents are traditionally invited? Will he continue to be persona non grata at famous funerals and award ceremonies?
That would be my guess. Former president as pariah.
17
I can honestly say that I do not visit the States any more if at all possible even though it's a quick easy trip for me. I no longer spend any of my money there. I also will ask my representatives running for office what they are going to do to break our economy away from the States.
This situation has caused this to be a major voting issue for me, I now fully expect my representatives to be in favour of restructuring our economy so it can handle ending trade with the States, it's the only sane position to take now that we know any lunatic who becomes President can burn whatever bridges he wants with nobody being able to hold him back.
It truly is a shame, I've enjoyed the time I've spent in the States and I have friends in your country but it's clear we became far too reliant on trade with you, that has to end now.
34
Rank and file Canadians have always eyed the USA askance. When Trump pulled the rug out from under them, it probably didn’t make things worse. After all, they have a clear assessment of Trump, and probably blame him more than the USA.
3
@John Brews ..✅✅ no, many Canadians are aware that a significant portion of Americans support him. I think it has definitely made things worse, speaking as a Canadian.
4
@John Brews ..✅✅
I have commented in the NYT for over a dozen years. I can rewrite my comments without fear that they are dated. Trump is a symptom. Conservatism is the disease.
We have a higher quality of life, a higher average wage, better educational and health outcomes and more jobs than workers and we believe in justice over law. It is not economics it is the hope for a better future that America has lost.
When Trump was elected you had the best economy the world had ever known yet you bought Trump's snake oil thanks to the hate mongering and the divisiveness of your right wing.
Even God must abide by the laws of the universe so there will be no miracle, America is dead as a door nail you will have to build anew but with the greatest military and greatest economy the world has ever known. I am both frightened and relieved that the theatre curtain has disappeared. I have lived in both Red and Blue America and this is not a match made in Heaven
3
Trump is only part of it. Canada for many years has been becoming a strongly secular, humanist country, and one where European immigrant descendants are increasingly minorities. Canada has been working hard for decades to increase gender equity, pursue LGBTQ rights and decriminalize drug use. Abortion and gay rights haven't been political issues for over two decades. Sure, there are still right-wing, socially conservative Canadians, especially in southern Alberta and those parts of Ontario hugging the US border where there are lots of US immigrants & close ties with Republican and evangelical communities across the line. But elsewhere, the vast majority of Canadians are sickened not only by Trump but also by the American perpetuation of racism, incredibly backward and vicious attitudes toward women, gays and minorities, xenophobia and hate mongering openly displayed across the US. Sure there are places more like Canada (Seattle, Portland, Anchorage) but America is today a very different place from Northern Europe and Canada (and, increasingly, South America and Asia), which have moved light years in terms of equity, social justice, human rights and cosmopolitanism whereas the US seems to be going backward. Not just Trump and his most vocal supporters, but a big tranche of America are now seen by much of the world as deplorable. I'm just back from a sustained visit to Italy and it's evident Americans stand out not in a good way and are less and less welcome.
106
@Cephalus. As a dual citizen, American by birth, Canadian through naturalization, I have lived and worked in both countries for roughly half of my life in each place. America is the country of my birth and I am proud of her, for the most part, but will always know that Canada is the country of my choice. Particularly in the current climate of the USA and the racing towards the bottom of the heap with regard to simple respect and decency. 45, Ryan, McConnell and their cohorts are a blight far worse than anything Bush 1 or 2 did to the world order..
6
@Cephalus
Very well said - thank you for expressing so eloquently what most of us feel.
3
@Cephalus In terms of equity, social justice, and human rights, what is Canada doing about the indigenous natives, who I believe are in no better situation than the ones in the U.S.?
The chaos around NAFTA 2.0 has not been lost on Canadians and their other business partners.
Once upon a time, we could count on the influence of large American investors to arrive at trade deals that were basically rational, even though they obviously favored American interests over Canadian. It appears, however, that the present U.S. Government is willing to act against the broader interests of U.S. business, so long as its immediate supporters can be enriched or placated.
Diversification is very much on the Canadian agenda.
Earlier this week, the Canadian Government and the Government of British Columbia announced a major project by LNG Canada to construct an export terminal for liquefied natural gas on the northern coast of the province. The investors in LNG Canada are Shell, PETRONAS, PetroChina, Mitsubishi Corporation and KOGAS. The markets for the gas are in Asia.
It’s not that individual Canadians are going to be any less friendly with individual Americans. Nor will Californian wine become less popular, or the influence of American culture immediately disappear. It’s just that other countries now have more money, and although they might not be as stable as the United States once was, their influence will grow as Washington D.C. becomes less and less trusted.
25
@Global Charm Well I have to say that California wine is not so popular at the moment in Vancouver. I spoke with a person stocking shelves in a local liquor store a few days ago and he told me that the sales of California wines are down more than 25% and that discounted California wines some by as much as $5 a bottle are not moving.
There are so many other choices of good wine from places like Chile, Australia, South Africa and Europe that it is a very easy product to boycott. I am one of them and will continue to do so until Trump is long gone. Heinz ketchup is another US product that will soon disappear from Canadian shelves and restaurants.
7
I am a Canadian who has lived in the US for 20 years. The relationship between Canada and the US will survive Trump. Too many people on both sides of the border mistakenly identify the other nation with its national government. Canadians were down on the US during the W years too. But living here I really don’t see much difference between Canadians and Americans. We are North Americans with common values. Trump’s ugly rhetoric doesn’t change that.
45
@Christopher Albi You've been away too long or haven't felt the considerable tide shift lately.
10
@Christopher Albi
You are correct that the ugly rhetoric won't change things Christopher. But ugly actions will.
Actions like characterizing Canada as 'security threat' to justify steel tariffs. This after Canadian soldiers gave their lives in the wake of 9/11 defending American interests and pursuing America's attackers. ( As if the phrase 'Canada - a security threat' isn't stupid enough in and of itself...)
Trump's bellicosity towards America's former (and better-looking) BFF is supported by the GOP lemmings and their gullible and scared 'base'. And that is having a negative impact on everything here from investment to consumer confidence. It is hurting our economy. And for what?
When you come home you will see that things have changed. We no longer look south with trust and fondness. Quite the opposite. And Trump is not the only one to blame.
7
I don't believe that Trump's behaviour and comments regarding renegotiation of NAFTA or whatever this new agreement represents can be brushed away with claims that everything was just negotiation tactics and now things can be rosy again. There have always been trade disputes between Canada and the US --and they were and are quite contentious -- but there was never the degree of offensive, insulting and bullying behaviour that we saw in the NAFTA situation. There is a lot I admire about the US but Trump is really eroding this goodwill and good opinion.
21
Many comments from Americans are interesting in how many say they did not vote for Trump. With all due respect America's Electoral College DID vote for Trump. Unless I am missing something, unlike your popular vote beauty contest, your Electoral College vote is the one that decides these things. Just ask your Mrs Clinton.
The last time our family went Stateside was two years ago with a drive to Seattle (that's Seattle with a 't' and not a 'd'). We were saddened to see that this once beautiful city now looks rather like one big homeless camp. We cut our trip short and came home. We have not been to the States since. No reason to go actually.
Personally, I am not sure what we really have in common with you folks. How many wars and conflicts are you in? I have lost count. Do most Americans even know what you are even fighting for anymore in these conflicts?
We are not perfect here but I would not trade our health care (based upon a needs model) for yours (based upon a business model that one can buy stock in).
As for my family, we will travel to other places and hopefully make new friends. This is what Canadians do. We will also join the seemingly millions of other Canadians/Canadiens and purchase only Canadian product and content at each and every opportunity. Not always possible but we shall do our best.
As for the Canadian and American so called 'special friendship', the thrill is gone. That thrill is not coming back anytime soon.
64
@MKS
You mention our electoral college. If you have any interest, read our Federalist Paper No. 68, written by one of our founding fathers. The electoral college was instituted specifically to guard against individuals like Trump being elected by the popular vote. You see, the woefully uninformed might fall prey to the cult of personality and elect an unfit individual. Seems to me, that's what we just did. Alexander Hamilton is rolling over in his grave right now. The electoral college was an epic fail here, and many of us are fed up.
You may not be coming here, and I don't blame you, but I'll be spending more time up your way. Be kind to us. We are suffering more than you.
5
This is an accurate column. Normally, we would have taken a vacation to the U.S. either this fall or last summer. Not this year. I have begun to read labels more carefully as I seek Canadian-made products and more local groceries.
The relationship will remain shaky until Trump is gone, and maybe beyond that unless a more intelligent approach is taken to international affairs by your next president.
35
I was also shocked by the vitriol and rancor emanating from President Trump over the renegotiation of NAFTA. I feel that I have deep and lasting ties with Canada, a beautiful and peaceful nation and her wonderful citizens. I have lived near our northern border for much of my life and have traveled to Canada both for day trips and vacations. I have attended medical conferences in Canada and have worked side by side with many Canadian citizens in the United States trying to improve the health and lives of Americans. As a US Army soldier I have served with Canadian soldiers when I was assigned to NATO forces in West Germany in the 1980’s. Indeed, in a little known fact of American History, my great, great, great, great grandfather, a revolutionary war soldier and veteran of the Saratoga campaign who was from the State of New Hampshire, settled as part of a larger contingent of New Englanders, for a time beginning in 1800 in what was then called “Lower Canada”, now Quebec Province before returning the the United States to settle Western New York when the Erie Canal was built. Canada was a refuge to these Americans who were suffering from hard economic times and could not afford to buy land here. Canada has been a good neighbor and a good friend in both peace and war and does not deserve the rancor and mistruths as uttered by President Trump.
38
Canada should look East, to the EU it recently concluded a free trade agreement with. If Canada is serious about environment, climate, universal health care, fair worker rights and pay, healthy food etc. it will increasingly face unfair competition from US companies with a lower cost base. Increasing food standards (banning hormones, antibiotics, chlorine etc.) and product quality standards (2-year product warranty etc.) is an effective 2nd line trade barrier, as proven by the EU.
17
I'm Canadian and my family has decided to no longer buy American products if and when possible. Small potatoes for sure but it is one thing we can do and we are doing it. America is no longer our friend.
40
@Bruce, These kinds of statements are a knee jerk reaction, I think. We may find that there are unintended consequences for many Canadians, and we have to keep in mind that many people in Canada depend on good trade and the purchase of American products and services (there are many) for their own livelihoods. I think we all need to take a deep breath and not allow ourselves to get whipped into a frenzy.
1
@Lisa: in other words, just swallow the insults and abuse, kiss and make up? That might make economic sense, but it's not likely. And I'm pretty sure that nobody has EVER benefited from making up with Trump.
@curious, of course I’m not talking about « making up with Trump » but many Americans are the same nice, hardworking people that we’ve enjoyed as neighbours for many years. Trump will be gone soon, and we’ll still be neighbours. It’s wise to keep that in mind. We can all choose whether or not we’ll allow ourselves to get swept up in hate, or choose to be reasonable and kind.
There has been an underground movement of boycotting products from the USA following Trump's unacceptable behaviour toward Canada and its representatives. Signing the USMCA will not change my approach to shopping for groceries, alcohol and other US products sold in Canada. Vive le lait québecois (Long live Quebec milk).
As an American I did not vote for Trump, but I shall vote with my pocketbook.
40
I have many Canadian relatives and they have always called us the "damn Yankees" because they love their socially equitable lives and scorn our predatory capitalism. They were very concerned that their great health care system would be destroyed with NAFTA.
My second cousin is a builder and when NAFTA was first passed he started building in the United States because labor costs were lower. The U.S. Robber Barons had managed to break unions and pass laws that made construction VERY lucrative - for owners and "investors".
I'm thankful that Canadians - whose youngest population is 1000% more knowledgeable about national and international politics than most of our college grads - are angry at The Con Don's destructive actions against them and the world.
Please, Good People of Canada, do not write us off yet. WE THE PEOPLE are going to get rid of The Con Don and his Robber Baron brethren and operatives in OUR governments and hire/elect people who will restore international honor and sanity in OUR financial sector and governments.
22
@njglea Best get out the vote(s). Soon. Including voicing your displeasure with the Kavanaugh confirmation to your critical GOP members. Writing opinions in the newspapers is nice; it's just more effective to get out there and mobilize.
10
Net is, sovereignty on one side of a border, and Isolationism, a long sought after American desire, simply don't mix. On the American side people are fed up with the worlds policemen's role, globalization that benefited so few, the myth of Nato, un-controlled immigration, and legal international tax havens , is why a personality like Trump is President. All his campaign promises and actions are real. Why do Canadians think he is in office ?
5
@Dan Green The only reason Trump is in office is that the Electoral College votes put him there. He did not get the popular vote: Clinton did. You have a profound misunderstanding about globalization and its benefits to you - the only reason you are such a rich nation is because of trade with other nations. And I believe you have started more wars than any other nation while seeking NATO support, so it obviously is important to you.
14
@Dan Green - What wars have we participated in since World War II have been because of a "policeman's role" that has been put on us by other nations in the world against our will? Every single war in my lifetime has been a war of choice championed by the US.
I can't speak to the "myth of Nato" because I don't even know what that means, but "uncontrolled immigration" is the true myth. It's a boogieman the right created to get you afraid of immigrants, without any explanation as to how you are being harmed besides the oft-debunked "they're taking our jobs" and the meaningless "they're breaking the law".
Canadians probably think he's in office for the same reason a vast portion of the United States does: Because he's a reality show entertainer who hit all the right buttons for people looking to blame their problems on anything that could be "solved" with bumper-sticker slogans and whose dog-whistle bigotry appealed to people who wanted to reassert themselves in their "rightful" place at the top of the racial and gender ladder.
So far as all his campaign promises? Where is the wall? Where is the cheap healthcare for everyone? Our real wages are dropping as inflation goes up. The debt, already high, is skyrocketing, and the deficit keeps going up (after it had fallen for 6 straight years in a row) as he passes tax cut after tax cut (and yet my paycheck hasn't changed).
14
@Dan Green Isolationism, really? Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Chile, Iran, Iraq, ....? Considerable benefits to US Corporate elites (not just Global elites) but not to it's workers, the myth of one of the longest and most prosperous (is there a connection?) peaceful period prior to which many wars financially benefitted the US without a single bomb being dropped on it's soil? A country of immigrants, at one time highly uncontrolled, that created the means with which to grow an economy and to keep it growing for a very long time, legal international tax havens never mind the tax games the recently revealed Trump family played, and, resulting in a lot less $ to middle class Americans?. Yes, why is Mr. Trump President with less than half the popular vote, potential vote rigging and gerrymandering? He appears to be in office because a minority of Americans do not believe in minding their own business but think it's wiser to strong-arm other countries and poke them in the eye. If you want isolationism, stay out of other countries' affairs, don't condone personal remarks about their leadership (Japan, Canada, Germany, the UK...). Close it all down. And send all those Canadian subsidized physicians and PhD's back please. They are only there for the bucks anyway. They miss the constant backdrop of hockey coursing through their blood. Merci Beaucoup!
3
I sincerely hope the people of this Earth haunt Mr Trump for the remainder of his days for the wounds he’s inflicted in the global relations, in the aggressive negligence toward climate change and in his constant insults and mockery of people high and low. To clarify: The only way to do that is to ceaselessly point out his lack of character and how many businessmen - or any men and women - and 44 presidents before him proved much more successful than him.
He deserves no better. The ‘when you’re strong you have to be good’ old chestnut is true - and when you’re a democracy you are held to a higher standard than a totalitarian state (where Trump seems to have most of his friend). The worlds regard of America is falling faster than the New York Stock Exchange did ten years ago after Lehman Brothers collapse.
17
Ive always admired yanks but now I will go to mexico or beyond to seek out the sun instead of my yearly visits to Maui. I notice when my local grocery store sells vegatables and fruit ive lobbied them to put Canadian on the products so we have a clear choice. No more visits to buy cheap milk or gas when I go near the border towns. I will stay here and lick my wounds. This will cost US dearly for at least 5-10 years as others share my feelings...Mr Trump we are not the enemy!
40
@andy Though sometimes difficult, I too am boycotting the US and American products inasmuch as possible.
I know that a majority of Americans did not vote for him, but there were enough truly vile people who did to make me think twice about the country as a whole.
We are far from seeing the end of this regime. I know only one thing: Trump, the spineless GOP and his cult-like followers can only go lower. I fear not only for the safety of Canada, but the world as a whole.
20
@andy
Although Trump has now certainly become ours.
1
To all my Canadian friends....just imagine trying to live with trump as the "president" of your country. Think you've got it tough with the current state of affairs in the U.S., try living in it....everyday.
30
@jvc I share your pain.
1
if a mother has to deal with an unusually unruly child for 6 months, she can't walk away from the relationship, she deals with it. You will always be our great neighbor to the south, regardless of who is occupying the office of the President. Bush was just as unruly, only he did not act like a child if he did not get his own way.
9
This is the win the White House has been bragging about. We undermine our allies through bullying and extreme negotiating tactics. We get a local win over Milk Money and proclaim it to the world. Meanwhile, our ally and trading partner in war and peace finds that they are now our adversary.
Maybe this is what he meant by "winning so much you'll be sick of winning".
39
Canadians are disappointed. We feel like we've lost a loved one. We feel like we loved you based on shared principles and respect, felt secure in that love and just found out it was all a lie and you're not the person we thought you were. From this tragedy we have taken the time to look more at ourselves and realize our own greatness and the areas we need to improve upon.
Its not about Trump it's about the people who elected him. Its about the people who stand beside him and do nothing. Your culture is based completely on greed, control and abuse of power. The mask has fallen off with the election of Donald Trump and 'you' are now in plain sight. We are disgusted. But we have been shaken awake. We will never forget.
62
This article focuses a bit too much on NAFTA, and so does not really touch bottom on the depth of current Canadian hostility against Trump's regime. A more full account would more deeply address Trump's arbitrary imposition of tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports. These are of huge significance in polarizing Canadians. Their imposition by Trump was arrogant, irrational, victim-blaming and completely non-reciprocal. [They shot American producers and consumers in the foot also, but that's beside the point.] When Ottawa imposed retaliatory tariffs, Trump went ballistic on Canada, and the mood in Canada soured further.
These metal import tariffs remain in place, and Canadians know it. And whether new or old NAFTA, the steady routine of US duties imposed on the 'unfair' import of Canadian products whose price threatens US interest groups will continue to gall Canadians, even if just about every one of these actions is eventually overturned by the WTO.
31
Has anyone considered the possibility that Trump, Navarro, and Kudlow went after Trudeau so harshly had to do with the fact that the President was on his way to Singapore to meet Kim Jong Un, and, that he had to be seen as strong and intimidating to the North Koreans?
1
@GB
So what? That excuses being insulting to your neighbour and largest trade partner?
41
@GB
Has anyone considered the possibility that Trump is alternately a laughingstock to be jeered or a sociopath who is being played like a piano by NK? Since we are considering possibilities.
12
@Dan
Of course he is! Everyone knows that. Unfortunately, he takes you all down with him.
Trump- a political demagogue and bully who is buying mid-term election voters at the expense of long-term good neighboring policies between the two countries and Canada is an easy and convenient target.
12
@Ted chyn
True. And unfortunately, Canadians are not going to forget this loss of friendship. It saddens us, though.
19
@Steve I'm not sad as much relieved. My expectations of Trump and his base are in freefall.
“We think we understood the special bond between Canada and the USA, or thought we did.”
Dear Canada, the majority of us who voted against Trump feel the same as you.
31
Thank you for this article. I read each day with deep sadness of the strange machinations and utterances coming out of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and have to wonder how this happened to the nation that used to symbolize freedom. I suppose the problem is that the “base” that supports this strange little man does not care about anything beyond their own borders or even state lines and is not open to reasoned discussion. We will, however, look to you for signs of hope that the America that we know and love is recovering it’s senses. November 6 would be a nice time to start.
20
The Canada-United States relationship has barely been tested here compared to what is likely coming in the next decade. If the political and economic influence of China continues on its current expansive trajectory, then these latest USMCA negotiations will seem like a walk in the park.
6
To my reading the USA is heading towards aggressive war against China...read about St.Pence's upcoming speech against China. Hopefully PM Trudeau follows Jean Chretian, our former PM, who kept Canada out of the faux Iraq war which continues to this day.
20
Yes this is a great opportunity for our country to shift our focus to other countries re: trade agreements. At times Canada is overly focussed on the U.S. I hope that our government continues to shift focus elsewhere. Perhaps then we'll be taken more seriously.
47
It is interesting to read an article like this, because in many ways this article in many ways does not ring true or is believable to many who read it. But it is also not 'Fake News.'
Trying to sum up something that is so complex, like a prevailing attitude that two countries have of each other, when each has a different history, very distinct cultural attitudes with many different people, is almost impossible.
As a Canadian who has worked in 7 out of the 10 provinces in this country, as well as spending years working in almost every state in the United States, the one thing I have learned is that the relationship that exists between our two countries and their people is one that is always under construction.
Sure, over the years I have heard some Canadians say that they "can't stand Americans." I have also heard similar comments from some Americans when referring to Canadians. But when I compare these sentiments to the overall comments I have collected in my brain over the decades, I would say that they are not representative of the overall positive attitude that the common people of both countries have of each other.
And in terms of this positive relationship, I have found that despite so many differences, this relationship (where ever you go in our two countries), it can be summed up with two words...'respect and friends.'
And I do not believe that this positive relationship can be undermined by any single person. There is just to much good history between us all.
13
I personally wouldn't blame a single Canadian for not setting foot in the US right now. I'm embarrassed for the way this administration has treated our friends to the north.
I would also hope that with a change in government here, that a semblance of the former good feeling between the countries can be reestablished. But I also think Canada is prudent in seeking new trade relationships with other countries. That would be good for Canada in the long run.
73
I personally feel no more affection for America or Americans anymore. Most of my life I was pro-American.I go out of my way to purchase non American products.
I go elsewhere for sun in the winter.
I implore my government to make trade deals elsewhere and diversify ASAP. I encourage my government to seek more diverse military alliances. I encourage my country to consider building a small deterrent focused nuclear arsenal.
We can be good mutually respectful neighbors, but never friends.
62
The relationship with Canada will remain for many years to come. I remember when Lester Pearson was critical of the the US war in Vietnam, but the relationship survived. The lack of civility of one President or PM will be forgiven and forgotten by most Canadians and Americans.
2
Don’t bet on it.
There’s a lot that Trumo has done that will not be forgotten.
17
@Rod We will not forget. The US is led by a monster, and supported by a spineless GOP and millions of cult followers.
NO. We cannot forget. Nor should the world.
11
@Rod Sorry but you are naive. If you spent any time in Canada in the last 8 months there is a bubbling current of distrust. If you are an American on holiday and were here, you may not have seen much of it because we are too polite to pick a fight. If you are a Canadian, you just weren't listening.
3
The bottom line revolves around geography. Canadians who can remember, wanted no part of so called Nafta, when it was originated. Why, because Canadians knew it would lead to the two economies integrating, and they have. Sovereignty is key, but being involved with the US economy as far as economics goes, is treacherous. Trying to manage a business relationship with such a massive economy, with a different currency, oligopolies, etc., is dated. Canada has always wanted to so call de-couple, but never made a concentrated effort. Shipping commodities and finished goods half way around the world, is no match for trucks driving over several border points. For decades Canadians were led to believe, exporting heavy oil to US tooled refineries, resulted in US security being dependent on the Tar Sands. That too is gone. How to back out of trading with the US is a seriously difficult task. Canadian Banks are now major US banks. Currently the doors are wide open for Google, Microsoft, Amazon , and Apple, into Canada. They will only buy up Canadian companies who are worthy or are a threat of any kind. Those very corporations are in question in the US a monopolies, what does that tell one? Immigration will help but the US will also grow in population.
9
There is a lot of rosy sentiment expressed by both Canadian and US commentators that "this too shall pass". I think it is at least as likely that Trump represents a growing (>40%) minority of Americans who support his approach to the world. There is little reason to believe that an election will change the American position.
Canada had better take the opportunity to finally diversify trade. As individuals, we can only boycott the bully's goods. Let's look at the labels in grocery stores. Costa Rica is lovely in the winter!
55
This is an eye opener for Canadians that will be lasting; dont trust Americans.
Don’t help the US in its wars, don’t get its people out of Iran, but as few products from the U S as possible and stop vacationing in Florida & South Carolina.
Trump has done lasting damage to our relationship to Canada. To the US. To the rest of the world.
32
"Many Canadians, who touted their relationship with Americans as the most successful partnership in the world, feel that the special bond is gone — or at least frayed."
A clear majority of American voters rejected Trump.
We have a stronger bond with our Canadian friends and allies than we do with the hate-mongering divisive Trump and his angry supporters, who shout against and degrade everything America stands for, from welcoming the stranger to E Pluribus Unum.
8
If Canada wanted to be Trump's friend they shouldn't have elected such a sexually attractive man as Prime Minister. It is really that base and basic for our narcissist-in-chief.
40
@Anne
We elected him a year before Trump. Trump has been jealous ever since.
3
@Anne
And isn't that the sad truth?
He is literally a person with no redeeming qualities, whatsoever. So flawed that he actually thought himself fit to lead your country.
But the bigger flaw yet is that your country lets him.
All those vaunted checks and balances of your supposedly-superior system of governance are worth nothing if you won't use them.
5
The relationship between the US and Canada is and remains strong, respectful, and vibrant. The relationship with Canada and the (insert long rambling string of expletives here) person occupying the US White House is poor, sordid, and foul.
18
@Frederick Nearly 63 million Americans voted for Trump. That's a lot more than just "one person."
14
As a Canadian, I think this article is a little exaggerated. I would say the majority of us don't like your President one bit, but we also realize that this is the way he conducts himself with everyone. We do not blame every American for the actions of one man.
Personally, I think Trump is unfit for the office (he isn't capable of diplomacy, negotiation, and isn't read enough or smart enough) and is welding his power like a dictator - ex. imposing illegal tariffs on steel and aluminum based on national security - a loophole. Your Congress needs to step in a temper his authoritarianism - I hope the November primaries elects a majority of Dems in the Congress and Senate.
Many Canadians do visit and live in the U.S., work with Americans, and have relatives who live and work in the U.S. We do see Americans as friends.
The author makes a good point about Canada diversifying its trade so we are no so dependent on America. We now need to be much more assertive about establishing trade relationships with other countries.
23
@DGL47
I have to say I disagree. This article is exactly how I feel. I've never been more disappointed in the people I can literally see through my back window. Of course we all know plenty of Americans that we love and respect, but I know a lot of Canadians that are paying much closer attention to where their groceries came from, and putting back the ones that say "Product of USA", myself included.
60
@John
If a lot of Canadians are paying attention to the current American tragedy then how do you explain the recent elections in Ontario or Quebec? Ontario's Doug Ford is angry, petty, and seeks to destroy long established political norms. Whereas the recently elected Quebec government of Francois Legault plans an aggressive crusade to eliminate religious minorities (i.e. Muslims) from employment in provincial government.
Trumps's comments, while upsetting, were not surprising. He trashes everyone and anyone in the interest of winning. So be it. What was most upsetting to Canadians was the silence of so many senior American politicians. Their silence was deafening. So, we have signed an agreement but the next decade will see us grow further apart as the fallout from this past 18 months is felt economically and culturally in Canada. If asked a year ago I would have answered that a growing divide with America would be tragic. Today, I find it desireable.
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Most happy to cross the border and drive anyone who needs a lift to vote in November . . . . . . Democratic Party
Perhaps we can start a "Go Fund Me" page to build funds for those who would like to vote, plan on voting for the Democratic party, and who might need a taxi or Uber
Look we understand and recognize that the elected leaders of a country have to be working for the best interests or their people. That being said it is a problem - - - in ethics - - - when the truth is thrown under the bus as so often it does when your Putin elected leader gets involved.
19
No more wintering in Florida for me.
71
We have already booked our second winter in Portugal.
30
No more Vermont winter breaks for me and my family.
37
@Fred No more trips to the U.S., nor trips originating FROM the U.S. such as cruises for us either. Also, we will avoid U.S. products as much as I now try to avoid Chinese products, the latter because of shoddy manufacturing oversight, the former because I just don't like trump,nor his jeering, cheering followers.
17
It is time for all to look at the US for what it has become and for us to ask the question how many of the factors below can now characterise the United States
1. A country of powerful and continuing nationalism.
2. with a disdain for the recognition of human rights
3. that identifies imaginary Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause
4. and whose military is given disproportionate funding
5. with rampant sexism
6. and complicity with a chosen communications medium
7. with an obsession with national security
8. where religion and government are intertwined
9. and where corporate power is protected and labour power is supressed,
10. with a disdain for intellectuals and the arts
11. with an obsession with crime and punishment
12. with rampant cronyism and corruption
capped by
13. fraudulent elections.
These are factors that professor Lawrence Britt identified as characteristics of Fascism
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Not sure what the view has been previously from London...
But your list, while a little debatable...has always been there...regardless of what political party claims the White House and majority over here...
We Voting Lemmings just use our "democratic process" to vote in the group with whom we are least tired of...to ostensibly round out your list.
...Always been like that.
4
I take issue with Britt's list, but he is right. America is in the Third Stage of fascism at the moment, and it's every day we creep closer to the Fourth Stage. The Founding Fathers had some good ideas, but they didn't give us much a rip cord to pull when things got this bad
3
Offensive language that will stick with Canadians for a long time. Well, vacationing in Canada 30 years ago, visiting Canada during those years, some of the snide, arrogant comments about Americans has stayed with me, too. It seemed we were welcomed for our vacation, visiting dollars, but- like Floridians (I used to be one) with their snowbirds- underneath there was a disdain, and a relief when they left.
Canadians have also used us when convenient- coming here for winter jobs, living here during recessions- and yes, relying on our military safety net. Who ya gonna call if ...China... put a few subs on your coast and started demanding any sort of agreements, concessions, alignments.
We may have a liar, and now tax cheat, for a president, but let’s not pretend to a comfy, cozy bromance. We’re neighbors. Let’s start again and build on that.
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@Jo Williams You make some good points, but do you not see the irony in your comments about Canadians insulting Americans when you elect a President that fits all those American stereotypes? - rude, aggressive, selfish, we're the greatest, bow down and kiss our feet, etc.
And we really don't have as many problems with China as you do, so I doubt they will be sending any subs here anytime soon. They may give us a sweet trade deal though. :)
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@Jo Williams
Agree Jo:
As a corporate executive for a fortune 500 US multinational, in the energy business, I have traveled the world wherever our numerous products were required. Early education taught me, to be ever aware, we Americans are resented everywhere, no different in Canada. That reality, the Canadian standard of living they enjoy, is dependent on the US economy. Not easy to swallow. Not long ago, the then owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, wouldn't allow the US national Anthem to be played at home games. Americans have but one ally and they know it, That ally being the Brits, no one else has any firepower if needed.
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Perhaps you should visit Canada more often rather than relying on 30 year old data points. By the way a lot of the world views Americans as loud brash and pushy.....because many of us are just that, when viewed through the lens of other cultures. Sometimes the truth hurts.
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It is necessary to stand up to a bully and I hope Canadians will do that by trying to avoid American products and minimize travel to the US, in the long run that will be doing Americans a favor too.
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@Barry Schiller
Gladly.
Now do us a similar favour by changing it up at the mid-terms!
2
Do Americans honestly believe we view ourselves as your younger sibling? It's an extraordinary assumption.
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Not at all, Nora. The vast majority of us have the highest regard for our neighbors up your way. You really cannot believe anything coming out down here.
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@Nora
Hi Nora.
Americans overwhelming reality of our northern neighbor is, nice folks, who resent Americans, therefore why get involved. Canada remains the single biggest investor in the US especially Canadian Banks. Those Banks just got a reprieve . Canadian pension funds are heavily invested in commercial US real estate.
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@Dan Green This worries me a lot lately. Hope they move out and diversify swiftly 'cause something's starting to hit the fan.
Trump has accomplished what I always thought was impossible. He has united Canadians from all regions of the country under one goal, boycott the USA. Thanks president trump.
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The Conservative trade attacks on Canada have little to do with business. It's about Canada's stands on refugees,immigration, LGBTQ rights and even marijuana.
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@Jamie Keenan
Why, it's almost like they don't know we're a sovereign country that makes its own decisions.
3
I checked with several good Canadian friends who do not support the author’s view. They believe it was time for a shakeup and the result will be positive. These friends are all businessmen and businesswomen who hire people and are part of the economy versus academics who merely opine and express their views as “observers”, not participate.
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@Rowdy
Agree. Having been involved as a US expat and major supplier to the Canadian Oil complex, I know first hand, Canadians never wanted any part of Nafta when legislated, by the Canadian government . Net is, sovereignty is a tool used by Canadian politicians, while trade is all about money. As far as economics goes, that border is a expensive curse. That myth the border is necessary to avoid a US invasion is bizarre. Two currencies, two Federal Banking systems, and Oligopolies are firmly in place. Canada is a Nato member with zero interest in a powerful military. No problem with that however they should get out of Nato it makes no sense to spend their money in such a worn out organization.
1
@Rowdy Honestly, I wouldn't be doing any business with people who support tariffs from other countries on their goods. They sound like lousy business people.
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@Rowdy I don't know who you were speaking with but the overwhelming sense I get here is we can speak with our Dollars and we are.. I myself will buy no milk products forced upon us and those little shopping trips to the border outlet malls?? No longer...and groceries..I'm amazed how quickly the habit of checking the country of origin on produce became the norm, I will only buy produce from Mexico and central America..there will be a shakeup that's for certain now but I don't see the United States coming out as a winner in the long term...
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It's true.
Someday, America is going to need a favor, as it periodically does ala the Iranian hostages or 9/11, and Canada might not be there.
And there might not be a lot of other countries there to help as well.
That will ultimately be the cost of routinely isolating and insulting your friends.
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The Trump Tariffs won't be rescinded any time soon. The Fake President needs votes in steel country, for 2020. In 2024 he can't run again, but Pence will. It will be interesting to see if Trump continues the tariff war to that election cycle or betrays Pence.
1
For decades, the United States has a run a balance of payments surplus with Canada - yes Canada has run trade surpluses but offset by larger deficits in the service account to the extent Canada’s current account with the US is most often running a deficit. In short, the US has been doing pretty well with its trading relationship with Canada.
With this context, it has been difficult to listen to Trump’s remarkable distortion of the truth relating to the trading relationship between the two neighboring countries. But we now have a trade deal; NAFTA has been tweaked a bit, and business leaders have more certainty. For most Canadians, though, the the bitter taste of how the trade negotiations were conducted by the Trump administration will remain.
Going forward, one has to be mindful that both Trump and what is left of the Republican Party do not reflect the values of most Americans. Somehow through an archaic Electoral College system, gerrymandering and voter suppression, an unrepresentative minority has taken control of the government of a great nation. Not only Canada, but America’s traditional allies can only hope that the current period is an aberration.
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I live in upstate NY (no, not Westchester... the Adirondacks) and it'll be interesting to see how donny's insults are reflected in Canadian's tourism spending in our area.
Secession sounds appealing.
15
@rrr. Not going to the US until that man is gone. Eyeballs rolling is an understatement. We are angry. not only will I not visit, I will not buy US products and that goes for my acquaintance, too.
23
This is the sort of intangible that Trump just doesn't get. His "quick-buck" mentality doesn't factor in long-term relations or consequences.
17
I love Canada and Canadians. I ski there once a year and if you hit one on the slopes, they have health insurance and won't pull out a gun. Great people! We'll eventually be done with Mr. Trump. Then we can be friends again. For now, we apologize for our reckless president.
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Not being sarcastic but these reports are highly exaggerated.
Relations between two countries are not that dependent on it's current leaders.
Sure they wax and wane as does the moon.
I know I will believe these Canadians - when real estate reports from Florida reveal a sell out by the snow birds and hotels report zero Canadians in winter months.
Then, we need to really worry.
2
Remember a majority of voters in the U.S. voted against Trump who is not only attacking Canadian friendship but his own populace and the entire well being of our country. Personally I would loved to be annexed by Canada. Still considering the Southern Maritimes as the new name for New England. At some point the GOP will want to get rid of us yankees. We have more in common with Canada than Alabama or Tennessee.
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@poslug, generally correct, but New Hampshire and Maine are arch conservative GOP strongholds.
1
What would happen in Canada pulled out of NORAD and the vast spaces of Canada were no longer part of the buffer against over the Arctic attacks? Or if Canada withdrew from the Five Eyes or ceased to cooperate on border control? There's a lot more at stake than a few milk cartons or processed cheese. But nah, Ol' Bone Spurs needs the buzz of a favorable Fox News piece more than anything else.
For Canada, this (being the souring of the relationship) too shall pass, in a decade or two. Whether we are still alive is a different matter.
34
Listen, the president didn't think the current agreement enough so he changed it, his job is to look out for the United States ,Canada is a friend, or at least they were, but that's not the country he represents, he represents us.
Canada wanted to make a play on the world stage and push, what little weight, they have around. In the end, they will always play second fiddle to the United States, this is a source of pain for them for some reason, but that is the reality of it it was just a matter time before they came aboard with this agreement..
They are now upset about it and continue to post angry comments on this subject in the York Times day after day after day.
Don't like the president, fine.. don't want to come here and clog our roads up, fine.
Canada will be fine in either case, and United States will be fine without them as well, we can mutually exclusive.
Just because we share a border doesn't mean we have to love each other
3
The US once had a friend in Canada and now it doesn’t. Your loss.
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@There Next time the US finds itself in need of an ally abroad I know that your President will have no problems getting assistance from N. Korea or Russia. The handling of this agreement by the US President has not escaped the attention of a lot of bigger countries with a lot more eight to push around on the world stage.
7
No actual, durable or effective trade resolution. WTO is a joke. International trade missions come with country club dues for ageing careerists in government administration. Trump can still impose tariffs at the drop of a bathroom tweet. Deal was done to protect car jobs in southern Ontario, again. Trudeau is toast out west. LNG: massive corporate welfare.
1
We Canadians are and have always been the USA’s closest friend, ally, and largest trading partner.
So the insults, rage, and boorishly offensive comments hurled at us by Trump, plus the egregious and offensive tariffs he arbitrarily opposed, have hurt deeply.
The harm has been done not only to our feelings about the USA, but also to our relationship.
We know that this too will pass when the most obnoxious, ill-tempered, and incompetent man ever to assume the Presidency is gone. We will still visit your wonderful country; we will still be your largest partner in trading goods and services; we will still treat you individually as the warm, welcoming, kind people we know most of you are.
But what done cannot be undone.
We can never see the USA the same way again.
35
@Norman McDougall:
Most of us really are horrified by 45 and you have our profound apologies. <3 Canada and I visit at least twice a year.
10
Good article. very true.I tell friends I am for 4 more years of Trump.Why.We sort of compete and 4 more years of Trump will make US weaker and Canada stronger.
7
Trump's threat of arbitrary tariffs (on autos) to force negotiations with Canada is something that won't be forgotten here. Trump is, of course, laughing that his bluff worked - and openly stated that he's going to adopt the same approach with other negotiations, and probably with Canada again.
Canadians will simply stop buying American products. It's that simple. Look at Heinz ketchup.
50
BTW primo is made with Canadian tomatoes processed in Canada by a Canadian company. I now but primo ketchup
14
As a Canadian who lived and worked in Washington DC for many years, who frequently traveled to the US for work while based in Canada, and who frequently vacationed in the US, it saddens me to say that this article is precisely on target.
We have stopped traveling to the US for any purpose and have nothing but disdain for the current administration, Republican Congress (and GOP generally) and the +/- 40% of the population who continue to support this repulsive, corrupt administration.
To the rest of our southern friends ... we wish you well and trust that you will start the process of course correction in the upcoming midterms.
Until that is well underway, know that you are alone in this world and that your circle of friends is shrinking daily.
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@Another Canadian
Well said. America first means America alone. America, have fun playing with your own toys.
17
@Another Canadian We know. We know. We are under attack from within, and we are losing. If those 3 Republican Senators vote to confirm Kavanaugh you can be sure, they are up to no good and their cover is blown. They can stop pretending. Kavanaugh is the final nail.
3
Go Canada! USA, know thyself heal thyself.
2
It's about time Canada learned. Look what they did to out woolen suit industry. Totally Canadian owned.
2
Canadian snowbirds spend a lot of money here in the winter months. If even a fraction of them stayed away the financial loss to certain areas of the country would be significant. And when American dairy starts flooding your markets do not buy any of it. Resist the strongman!
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@BB Fernandez
I wont buy any American dairy products because they are laced with hormones and antibiotics.
12
The anger felt by Canadians, as described in the story and exemplified by some of the commenters, is understandable. I would just ask our northern neighbors to realize that Trump is a far greater offense and threat to Americans here in the U.S. than he is to Canadians. There is a great reservoir of warm feelings and close connections to Canada and Canadians on this side of the border; Trump does not speak for us.
51
@rungus Although i may not have the desire to cross the border to go shopping or take a weekend trip to NYC as i used to, however, if i were on vacation in Europe and an American asked for my help, i'd treat him/her as i have always done, the same way i'd treat a fellow Canadian! We feel wounded, but we will recover
7
@rungus
Apparently he does speak for 42% of you.....at least this week.
5
@rungus Nearly 63 million Americans voted for Trump.
2
On behalf of Canadians for whom geopolitics is a sport we follow religiously, the notion that Canadians, as a whole, are relieved is an exaggeration. Most Canadians, at this time, are unaware that we have been "relieved" of our sovereignty by the small print in a clause nestled deep in the agreement. That clause forbids Canada to negotiate any trade deals with other countries or regions which the U.S. deems detrimental to its interests. In short, we cannot sign lucrative trade deals anymore unless America says it's okay. The NAFTA Lite deal has not passed through parliamentary approval, yet, but our PM in diapers will ram it through with his majority,
It is a shame and a sham that Trudeau did not let Ms Freeland do her job without interference. PM Trudeau was desperate to avoid political fallout so he took the advice of two of Jared's Canadian buddies who were part of the Canadian negotiating team allowing them to call the shots. They began talks with the kid back in March and succeeded in undermining Ms Freeland and Canada. A plague on your homes.
12
@Jacob K
" . . . . . . That clause forbids Canada to negotiate any trade deals with other countries or regions which the U.S. deems detrimental to its interests. . . . . ."
Uh, no. The clause does not say that.
The clause says Canada must inform it's NAFTA partners of what it's doing relative to other trade agreements. If the other partners don't like it, they can terminate NAFTA.
But Canada can enter into any agreement it wants to enter into.
10
@Bobby Clobber Does the U.S. or Mexico have to share details of any agreements they want to enter into as well?
@Bobby Clobber Uh, yes. That's essentially the effect, if not the wording.
Get in line, canada. You need to get behind California, New York, New England, and most urban areas.
10
With "friends" like Trump, who needs enemies?
26
Trump is a chump. He insulted the most loyal friend of the US for nothing. It's not just cross border trade at stake. Let's see whether the next time we embark on some overseas adventure we get Canada to join the farce.
20
I love America and Americans.
I understand anger at feeling disenfranchised, and feeling the need to lash out and let all one's venom go. That what rallies are for. But in the privacy of the voting booth I always hope that better angels will prevail, especially when the alternative could actually be harmful. That didn't happen in 2016.
Trump's attacking Trudeau (and Canada) because of Trudeau's words (which any first year student in politics would understand were directed at Canadians, not Trump) are akin to coming home and kicking your puppy because you didn't get that raise you think you deserve. It is not logical, and it is certainly not presidential.
Anyway, I wish you well, especially now that you might get an angry partisan on your Supreme Court.
I will buy American when Trump is no longer your president.
70
Maggie-
Firstly, I apologize for our president’s behavior. He is a narcissist with sociopathic tendencies. Secondly, if Trump had a puppy, he would indeed “come home and kick the puppy” which is exactly what he has done with Canada, a long time and loyal partner.
2
To America's Canadian friends: this too shall pass. Trump may be president, but he is not America. Canadians are in good company with an ever growing international and American domestic constituency of people who are outraged by the Trump administration.
29
@Alex You're country is going to have a lot of patch work to do.
3
Having lived and worked in Canada and still have many friends and colleagues there, Trump has done more damage than anytime since the war of 1812. Most of them think the US lost its collective mind electing Trump.
94
Not lost its mind, but rather revealed its true colors.
20
Actually the bond between us and our friends and relatives in the U.S. is stronger now. We share a common enemy and united in our desire for regime change in the U.S. As well , we will see a historic high in out of country votes coming from Canada in the mid-terms as typically US citizens living in Canada vote Democrat.
19
@dennise Nearly 63 million Americans voted for Trump.
It turns out to be true. Everything Trump touches dies.
74
You'd better believe it. I was talking to a pal of mine a couple of days ago who lives in Toronto (conservative middle aged businessman) and he was incandescent.
56
I am already boycotting American produce (and trust me, dairy too, when arrives in stores), until you all come to your senses.
The general sense of confusion and uncertainty about 2016 has cemented as loathing in many Canadians after the continual disrespect and lies about our country from the American President.
113
I for one love Canada, and have had many wonderful experiences in your beautiful country (from Vancouver to Alberta to Ottawa to Montreal and Halifax) and meeting Canadians traveling in the US. This embarrassment of a president doesn’t represent me or anyone I know in his rude and divisive behavior towards Canada, or to anyone else. Due to arcane and unnecessary electoral configurations, an ignorant and fearful minority of our country exercises an outsized control over our politics and government, but hopefully Canadians don’t cast all Americans personally into the same basket as our deplorable president.
140
I, for one Canadian, hope that there is a way for you (US citizens) to amend the electoral system so that the majority of your people get the representation that they truly want.
23
This saddens me so much. The USA under this president has destroyed friendships and alliances so quickly and in such a hateful manner. The tribalism that is on full display and the lies being touted by the GOP and the Executive branch are shocking. I'm so ashamed by this country's behavior. I'll apologize for my country, Canada. I love Canada and Canadiens, I am sorry.
115
Two reasons why I cannot even think of taking a vacation in the United States anymore: First, President Donald Trump, and second, I own shares in cannabis stocks and apparently this makes me a candidate for a lifetime ban from entering the US. Canadians used to think that America was our best friend and partner. Maybe we should consider America a hostile nation instead. I am going to Berlin, Germany for my next vacation this month.
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@Joseph Dubonnet
I believe you have to have a substantial number of shares - say insider amount - re. cannabis shares. However, I also have shares in cannabis stocks and this seems silly and I'm not going either. Yes to Berlin.
13
I think this article comes to the heart of the matter for many Canadians. Trump's MAGA means that any and all nations can expect a strong-arm approach from Mr. Trump and his government with respect to international negotiations of any kind. While a trade deal should logically involve mutual benefit to the involved trading "partners", Mr. Trump and today's America see only a win-lose opportunity. In effect, a "Lets take what we can, wherever and however we can". So, not surprisingly, people of other nations, Canada included, will increasingly think of the US in adversarial terms. I'm not an economist but it seems to me that while the NASDAQ looks good this year, if US markets contract over the long-term because of this short-sighted approach, the resulting somewhat closed economy may start to look less attractive to investors and consumers alike. Time will tell.
25
The US Executive is still enforcing its 232 tarifs for security concerns on canadian steel. No relief in sight yet.
Also, nothing prevents him to use it against us in the future. His morality speaks for itself.
This USMCA thing was negotiated with a gun to our head.
60
@Squidley Diddley; What do you not understand about price dumping?
1
@Squidley Diddley
The man we (well, not me nor mine) elected is nothing more than a thief and scoundrel who hoodwinked the U.S. treasury of millions. Why this was not broadcast prior to the election I will never know.
1
All that was missing from Trump’s rhetoric, while he was at it, was a threat to bomb Canada . That’s how much the rhetoric from the White House had degenerated.
The worst part for me, is that trade was basically balanced at the outset, and that then end result was basically a status quo.
All that bluster suggests the President does not have the temperament for the post he occupies, and that he is in, over his head.
Obviously the World was watching how Trump treated his friend, neighbour , and most important trading partner. This treatment probably explains why China had decided to stop talk over tariffs.
There is just no negotiating with Trump without it getting nasty and ugly. Better to stay away and keep a distance.
126
@Angelo C "All that bluster suggests the President does not have the temperament for the post he occupies, and that he is in, over his head."
Soon we'll have a Supreme Court to match our Congress' and president's blustery temperament. Too bad we'll no longer have any friends or a self-governing republic.
4
The way Canada has been disrespected and bullied will not be forgotten. Many Canadians have been boycotting US goods and will continue to do so. Moves have begun to assist in trade diversification to Europe and Asia where Canada has new trade agreements. Canada is also hosting a meeting of 15 other countries on modernizing the WTO and the US isn’t invited. The damage done to relations will not be easily fixed and in fact in the long run will make Canada stronger.
197
Although not a practical or wise response my guess is many if not most Canadians would applaud if Justin would remember his dads elequence. Fuddleduddle You DJT.
To paraphrase a german philosopher, against stupidity the gods fight in vain.
2