The Decibel ‘Buy Canadian’ and the week Canadians got mad at the U.S.
Feb 7, 2025
Shannon Proudfoot, a feature writer and columnist for The Globe, dives deep into the recent U.S. tariff threats and their impact on Canadian identity. She discusses how Canadians reacted collectively, pledging to 'buy Canadian' and expressing political solidarity in the face of external pressure. The conversation explores feelings of nationalism and the complexities of Canada's relationship with the U.S., as well as the fleeting nature of that unity amidst shifting trade dynamics.
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Canada as Whoville
- Shannon Proudfoot connects U.S.-Canada tariff tensions to Horton Hears a Who.
- Canada is Whoville, facing a powerful, unreasonable force.
Canadian Identity
- Canadian identity is complex and often defined by what it is not (American).
- Being a "middle power" next to a larger country contributes to this identity struggle.
Trump's View of Canada
- Trump views Canada as exploitable, using tariffs as negotiating tactics, as described in "The Art of the Deal".
- His dismissive remarks about Canada reveal his perception of it as inconsequential.
