Tariffs. Streaming wars. Military pressure. Public trash talk. This isn’t random chaos... it looks a lot more like both countries loading ammunition before trade talks begin.
From an American to the lovely Canadians I've always admired: STAY STRONG. COALESCE. STICK TOGETHER.
If you don't you might end up becoming the 2nd North American Dumpster Fire. Believe me you don't want that.
To me, being "American" these days makes me embarrassed and disgusted. You don't want to feel that way. You can wear your flag on a shirt and not be hated by the rest of the world.
My heartfelt apologies to all the fallen soldiers and their loved ones on this Memorial Day. Many like me are still fighting to get back the democracy they died defending.
(((HUGS))) Thank you for thinking of us in Canada, we are working hard to stay united while tolerating the orange in the white house, & the pale orange in Alberta. I know that living in that chaos, not knowing what day you might be pulled from your home & dragged off to a warehouse & treated far less than human, is horrifying for you & your family, friends & neighbours. I worry about my family & friends in your country & I worry about YOU, all of you, living under, basically, a Hitler regime. I will pray for you & send good vibes in your direction. Peace & love to you :)
The premise of this article is incorrect. Canada did not start the trade war. Canada did not write a National Security Strategy declaring that the United States controls and directs the resources of the Americas. Canada adhered to existing agreements. The economics behind the trade war is one country, the US exerting economic dominance without regard to the underlying truth of the existing agreements. 70% of Canada's trade to the US is resource based. The US takes thise resources and further refines, manufactures and processes them a process that drives employment and gdp. Oil for example has an economic multiplier of 48. Each dollar of crude results in $48 of economic activity. So the US was always the massive gdp winner in the trade relationship. It was never ever close. So why? The bully and his oligarch friends want more cause they think they have the might to take it. Why does anyone think Canada needs a deep relationship with the US. Lets get back to 1960 before the auto pact and carry on. There is no other way.
Thanks for your input, we, as Canadians, won't fall in line. PM Carney knows how to handle these situations better than Dumbo ever will. He throws spite fits like a 3 year old & expects the world to fall in line & put up with that! NO! We must not bend, just speak our truth & let the cards fall where they may. Canada Strong!!!!
The strongest words are usually the ones not spoken. Although small in comparison, Canada is large, often punching well above its weight class, as they say. The Nafta 2.0, as I prefer to call it, is up for re-evaluation and I see no need for Canada to rush haphazardly into a deal. Patience is the important thing here. Outright pressure signals weakness, where as silent pressure, force.
Canada is only small with regard to population, in land mass, we are bigger. As the country rolls forward, we will become larger in population as well. We are friendly with all nations & our friends will come to our aid if need is there. My opinion.
When I said small, I was not referring to our physical size but rather our economic size. Most US states have a greater GDP than Canada. However, having said that, our influence in all realms worldwide is tremendously influential.
Well someone else sees it. The Trump admin have been trying to cause dissension inside Canada, especially in Alberta. I wonder if those Albertans really realise what life is like in America? No more free healthcare, pay for education, no holiday pay and 6 day working, if you don’t believe me do some research people. I feel blessed that I live in the UK, we may have some problems, but I am sure we can sort them.
🇨🇦💙MAGA BOTS/OPERATIVES’ FULL FRONTAL ATTACK ON CANADA: An Alberta separatist group called the Centurion Project used a Michigan-right wing based voter ID app called 10xVotes.
Hoekstra's connection: Hoekstra publicly endorsed and repeatedly promoted the 10xVotes app and 10x Votes credited him with leveraging his political connections to help organize in-person presentations for the app.
His denial: Hoekstra flatly denied personal involvement: "I have zero involvement with 10x Votes. I have never had any financial relationship with 10xVotes." He said 10x Votes was simply a free tool to get out Republican voters for Trump in 2024, and it was his job as Michigan GOP chair to build a winning campaign. Yet data on 2.9 million Albertans was loaded onto the app, which lawyers have called the most significant privacy breach in Canadian history.
The trade war and sale of booze is merely a distraction. America’s only goal is to separate Canada.
While Ambassador to Holland, Hoekstra spread rumours that Muslins had NO GO ZONES in Holland. Then denied it. Then left Holland
Roxy... there are definitely some serious questions Canadians deserve answers to when it comes to foreign influence, political organizing, data privacy, and who’s pulling what levers behind the scenes.
I’m trying hard to separate facts from outrage these days because there’s no shortage of both.
But I agree on one thing...
Canadians need to pay attention, ask tough questions, and stop assuming “it can’t happen here.”
Great post Fred! We are all apprehensive at this time with the state of Alberta & washi ngton involvement! It overshadows all our decisions! We MUST stay strong & carry on!!!!!
I think it's been pretty transparent that all these recent American moves including Hoekstra's insufferable blather have been building up their ammunition for some serious upcoming negotiations. These talks are not going to be easy and I'm glad that we have Carney and his team fighting the good fight for Canada. They'll need lots of ammunition to counter the evil empire with.
On the flip side, PP criticizing the imposition of a digital streaming tax on American tech giants is totally unhelpful and if he cares at all about a positive outcome for Canada in these negotiations he will keep his snarly mouth shut.
There's no doubt the US will try everything they can think of, in an attempt to intimidate us.
It's in their interests to keep us dependent on their trade markets, rather than having Canada's resource and tech base available to other countries around the world.
But we are smart enough, tough enough, and creative enough to break free of 40 years of the learned helplessness that came with US trade.
It's not our fault they have chosen an authoritarian, fascist government model.
But it does mean that Canada needs to disentangle, in every way possible, or risk having that repulsive political model infect OUR body politic.
So if we can just remember what it really means to be Canadian, and stick together, we will be fine.
Ps. Fred the problem isn't us. Carney put out the possibility of buy in to Fortress north America but that would require a renewal with stronger safeguards to prevent the actions Trump has taken so far. The military and other trade option including the build out of LNG and possibly new oilvpipelines both east and west will never be looked at favorably by the US. It is natural cause and effect though. So Trump has a decision to make. Accept a renewed stable relationship with long term stability guarantees, pay global prices for Canadian resources and stop undermining Canadian manufacturing and we will do F35's and work on a renewed Norad. This is the strongest and best card he can play. Oil is everything to Trump and canadian oil accounts for 8% of US GDP so he has a big decision to make. Canada has to approach this as if they hold all the cards vecause I believe they do
I probably should’ve worded that more carefully...
When I said “our weakness might be ourselves,” I wasn’t talking about Canadians broadly... I meant political division becoming leverage against us during negotiations.
You make a fair point that Canada has more cards than many people realize, especially around energy, critical resources, and long-term stability.
The big question is whether both sides still want a stable partnership badly enough to rebuild trust.
I believe Trumps ego will not allow him to back down and it will result in Canada going full steam ahead on its reinvention as an economically independent nation. Gripens, a Canadian military complex at scale and a maker mindset that will launch Canada into becoming the best version of itself. Canada Strong.
From an American to the lovely Canadians I've always admired: STAY STRONG. COALESCE. STICK TOGETHER.
If you don't you might end up becoming the 2nd North American Dumpster Fire. Believe me you don't want that.
To me, being "American" these days makes me embarrassed and disgusted. You don't want to feel that way. You can wear your flag on a shirt and not be hated by the rest of the world.
My heartfelt apologies to all the fallen soldiers and their loved ones on this Memorial Day. Many like me are still fighting to get back the democracy they died defending.
Laura… that means more than you probably know.
Most Canadians know this isn’t about ordinary Americans.
Many of us see exactly what’s happening...
and we know a lot of good people down there are just as worried, frustrated, and heartbroken.
Democracy is one of those things people only notice when it starts wobbling.
Wishing strength to the good folks still fighting for it. 🇨🇦❤️🇺🇸
(((HUGS))) Thank you for thinking of us in Canada, we are working hard to stay united while tolerating the orange in the white house, & the pale orange in Alberta. I know that living in that chaos, not knowing what day you might be pulled from your home & dragged off to a warehouse & treated far less than human, is horrifying for you & your family, friends & neighbours. I worry about my family & friends in your country & I worry about YOU, all of you, living under, basically, a Hitler regime. I will pray for you & send good vibes in your direction. Peace & love to you :)
The premise of this article is incorrect. Canada did not start the trade war. Canada did not write a National Security Strategy declaring that the United States controls and directs the resources of the Americas. Canada adhered to existing agreements. The economics behind the trade war is one country, the US exerting economic dominance without regard to the underlying truth of the existing agreements. 70% of Canada's trade to the US is resource based. The US takes thise resources and further refines, manufactures and processes them a process that drives employment and gdp. Oil for example has an economic multiplier of 48. Each dollar of crude results in $48 of economic activity. So the US was always the massive gdp winner in the trade relationship. It was never ever close. So why? The bully and his oligarch friends want more cause they think they have the might to take it. Why does anyone think Canada needs a deep relationship with the US. Lets get back to 1960 before the auto pact and carry on. There is no other way.
Larry... fair point on who pulled the trigger here.
Canada didn’t start this fight.
I think where many Canadians are landing emotionally is this... we followed the agreement, then got hit anyway.
And you’re right that a lot of people don’t fully understand how much Canadian raw resources fuel American manufacturing and jobs.
Whatever happens next, I suspect Canada comes out of this more determined to diversify and depend less on one customer.
Thanks for your input, we, as Canadians, won't fall in line. PM Carney knows how to handle these situations better than Dumbo ever will. He throws spite fits like a 3 year old & expects the world to fall in line & put up with that! NO! We must not bend, just speak our truth & let the cards fall where they may. Canada Strong!!!!
Patsy... I think a lot of Canadians are feeling exactly that right now.
Whatever people’s politics, this feels like one of those moments where Canada has to stay steady, stay smart, and stay united.
No panic. No folding. Just clear heads and strong backs.
Canada Strong
The strongest words are usually the ones not spoken. Although small in comparison, Canada is large, often punching well above its weight class, as they say. The Nafta 2.0, as I prefer to call it, is up for re-evaluation and I see no need for Canada to rush haphazardly into a deal. Patience is the important thing here. Outright pressure signals weakness, where as silent pressure, force.
Ron... there’s probably a lot of wisdom in that.
Canada has never really won by being the loudest person in the room.
We usually do better when we stay calm, play the long game, and let patience do some of the heavy lifting.
Quiet confidence can be surprisingly powerful.
Canada is only small with regard to population, in land mass, we are bigger. As the country rolls forward, we will become larger in population as well. We are friendly with all nations & our friends will come to our aid if need is there. My opinion.
When I said small, I was not referring to our physical size but rather our economic size. Most US states have a greater GDP than Canada. However, having said that, our influence in all realms worldwide is tremendously influential.
Totally agree Ron :)
There’s a lot at stake.
There needs to be behind door internal discussions to ensure Canada shows a united front
Deirdre... I agree.
Healthy debate is part of democracy, but when negotiations start, unity matters.
You don’t have to agree on everything to stand shoulder to shoulder when the stakes are this high.
Well someone else sees it. The Trump admin have been trying to cause dissension inside Canada, especially in Alberta. I wonder if those Albertans really realise what life is like in America? No more free healthcare, pay for education, no holiday pay and 6 day working, if you don’t believe me do some research people. I feel blessed that I live in the UK, we may have some problems, but I am sure we can sort them.
Thank you for a clear explanation of all the deterioration occurring before the CUSMA deadline.
🇨🇦💙MAGA BOTS/OPERATIVES’ FULL FRONTAL ATTACK ON CANADA: An Alberta separatist group called the Centurion Project used a Michigan-right wing based voter ID app called 10xVotes.
Hoekstra's connection: Hoekstra publicly endorsed and repeatedly promoted the 10xVotes app and 10x Votes credited him with leveraging his political connections to help organize in-person presentations for the app.
His denial: Hoekstra flatly denied personal involvement: "I have zero involvement with 10x Votes. I have never had any financial relationship with 10xVotes." He said 10x Votes was simply a free tool to get out Republican voters for Trump in 2024, and it was his job as Michigan GOP chair to build a winning campaign. Yet data on 2.9 million Albertans was loaded onto the app, which lawyers have called the most significant privacy breach in Canadian history.
The trade war and sale of booze is merely a distraction. America’s only goal is to separate Canada.
While Ambassador to Holland, Hoekstra spread rumours that Muslins had NO GO ZONES in Holland. Then denied it. Then left Holland
Roxy... there are definitely some serious questions Canadians deserve answers to when it comes to foreign influence, political organizing, data privacy, and who’s pulling what levers behind the scenes.
I’m trying hard to separate facts from outrage these days because there’s no shortage of both.
But I agree on one thing...
Canadians need to pay attention, ask tough questions, and stop assuming “it can’t happen here.”
Great post Fred! We are all apprehensive at this time with the state of Alberta & washi ngton involvement! It overshadows all our decisions! We MUST stay strong & carry on!!!!!
Patsy... I think a lot of Canadians are carrying that feeling right now.
Uncertainty has a way of hanging over everything.
But you’re right about one thing...
panic never helped anybody.
Clear heads, strong backs, and staying united matters now more than ever.
Canada Strong
Thank you Fred. Canada Strong!!!!!!
I think it's been pretty transparent that all these recent American moves including Hoekstra's insufferable blather have been building up their ammunition for some serious upcoming negotiations. These talks are not going to be easy and I'm glad that we have Carney and his team fighting the good fight for Canada. They'll need lots of ammunition to counter the evil empire with.
On the flip side, PP criticizing the imposition of a digital streaming tax on American tech giants is totally unhelpful and if he cares at all about a positive outcome for Canada in these negotiations he will keep his snarly mouth shut.
I couldn't have said that better myself! haha Thank you for your wisdom!
Thank you Patsy, that's very gracious.
There's no doubt the US will try everything they can think of, in an attempt to intimidate us.
It's in their interests to keep us dependent on their trade markets, rather than having Canada's resource and tech base available to other countries around the world.
But we are smart enough, tough enough, and creative enough to break free of 40 years of the learned helplessness that came with US trade.
It's not our fault they have chosen an authoritarian, fascist government model.
But it does mean that Canada needs to disentangle, in every way possible, or risk having that repulsive political model infect OUR body politic.
So if we can just remember what it really means to be Canadian, and stick together, we will be fine.
Northshore... I think a lot of Canadians are wrestling with exactly that question right now... what level of dependence still makes sense?
Whatever people think the right answer is, one thing feels different this time...
Canada seems more serious about diversification, resilience, and standing on our own two feet where we can.
And I agree with you on this...
if Canadians stay united and keep our heads, we’ll be okay.
Ps. Fred the problem isn't us. Carney put out the possibility of buy in to Fortress north America but that would require a renewal with stronger safeguards to prevent the actions Trump has taken so far. The military and other trade option including the build out of LNG and possibly new oilvpipelines both east and west will never be looked at favorably by the US. It is natural cause and effect though. So Trump has a decision to make. Accept a renewed stable relationship with long term stability guarantees, pay global prices for Canadian resources and stop undermining Canadian manufacturing and we will do F35's and work on a renewed Norad. This is the strongest and best card he can play. Oil is everything to Trump and canadian oil accounts for 8% of US GDP so he has a big decision to make. Canada has to approach this as if they hold all the cards vecause I believe they do
Larry... I hear what you’re saying.
I probably should’ve worded that more carefully...
When I said “our weakness might be ourselves,” I wasn’t talking about Canadians broadly... I meant political division becoming leverage against us during negotiations.
You make a fair point that Canada has more cards than many people realize, especially around energy, critical resources, and long-term stability.
The big question is whether both sides still want a stable partnership badly enough to rebuild trust.
I believe Trumps ego will not allow him to back down and it will result in Canada going full steam ahead on its reinvention as an economically independent nation. Gripens, a Canadian military complex at scale and a maker mindset that will launch Canada into becoming the best version of itself. Canada Strong.