Has Trump broken Canada’s relationship with the US?
Feb 6, 2025
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Stephen Marche, a Toronto-based journalist and novelist known for his book "The Next Civil War," dives into the shifting dynamics of Canada-U.S. relations influenced by Trump's policies. He discusses Canadian nationalism and the rare political unity in response to tariffs. Marche examines Trudeau's strategic measures against U.S. bullying, the complexities of addressing the fentanyl crisis, and the pressing need for Canada to reevaluate its economic dependencies. He also highlights the implications for Canadian politics amid rising competitors.
Recent U.S. tariffs have ignited a wave of Canadian nationalism, uniting citizens across political spectrums in a collective response.
Prime Minister Trudeau's strategic retaliation highlights Canada's evolving policy towards economic dependency and the necessity to explore diverse trade relationships.
Deep dives
Canadian Nationalism Rises Amidst Trade Tensions
Recent trade tensions between Canada and the United States have sparked an unprecedented wave of Canadian nationalism. Following the announcement of new tariffs by the U.S., Canadians expressed considerable anger and unity across political lines, with both conservative and liberal leaders reacting strongly. For instance, Ontario's Premier Doug Ford threatened to cut energy supplies to New York, showcasing a decisive shift towards a more assertive Canadian stance. This moment of shared sentiment is significant, marking a level of patriotism not witnessed in decades as Canadians reflect on their identity and relationship with their southern neighbor.
Retaliation and Strategic Responses
In response to the U.S. tariffs, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau articulated the historical ties between the two nations while also announcing retaliatory measures. These measures targeted key products coming from states that support the tariffs, hinting at a strategic approach to leverage economic pain on American consumers. Trudeau emphasized the long-standing alliance between Canada and the U.S., referencing shared military history and common values. This strategy reveals a shift in Canadian policy, where past grievances are met with organized political action aimed at defending national interests.
The Fragility of U.S.-Canada Relations
The ongoing tensions highlight the precarious state of U.S.-Canada relations and the implications for Canada's future. The potential for tariffs to escalate into a full-blown trade war remains a looming threat, prompting Canadians to reconsider their economic dependency on the U.S. The podcast suggests that as U.S. domestic issues rise to the forefront, Canada may need to explore diversifying trade relations, including possible exports to other countries like China. Ultimately, this period serves as a wake-up call for Canada to fortify its identity and reevaluate strategic partnerships in light of an increasingly unpredictable American neighbor.
From booing at sports events to boycotting products, Canada is taking a sharp look at its neighbour to the south. United States President Donald Trump placed a 30-day pause on 25 percent tariffs on Canada after speaking with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. But what does the dispute reveal about the US and Canada’s shared future?
In this episode:
Stephen Marche (@StephenMarche), Journalist and Novelist
Episode credits:
And that’s the Take. This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, Sonia Bhagat, and Chloe K. Li, with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Hagir Saleh, Hanah Shokeir, Khaled Soltan, and our host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.
Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.