

Canada hates us, but it's not all Trump's fault.
8 snips Jun 2, 2025
In a lively conversation, Scaachi Koul, a Senior Writer at Slate, dives into the complex feelings Canadians harbor about their American neighbors. She uncovers the historical roots of growing Canadian discontent, linking it to political shifts and cultural clashes. Surprisingly, while over 80% of Americans view Canada positively, only 24% of Canadians feel the same way about the U.S. Koul discusses how this mismatch affects consumer behavior and national identity, wrapping up with some light-hearted trivia about iconic Canadian cultural figures.
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Longstanding Canadian Distrust
- Canadian distrust of the U.S. has been declining for decades, not just due to Trump.
- As of March, only 24% of Canadians view the U.S. favorably compared to 87% of Americans favoring Canada.
Canadian Election Fatigue
- Canadians feel overwhelmed by the noisy, drawn-out U.S. elections they must follow.
- Canadian election campaigns are short, contrasting with U.S. elections that can drag on, increasing Canadian political exhaustion.
Border Control Resentment
- After 9/11, the U.S. sought to unify border management for Canada and Mexico, causing Canadian resentment.
- The 'Mexicanization' of the Canadian border implied Canada was weak, sparking tensions.