Avoiding US goods and services – from tech to whisky to air travel – has forced many to find a new way of living
This week the US imposed 50% tariffs on US$20bn (£15bn) of Canadian goods, and Mark Carney, the country’s prime minister, has vowed to match them “dollar for dollar” after the collapse of trade talks between the two countries last weekend. Donald Trump retaliated on Thursday by ordering the federal government to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America.
Such actions have added fuel to a widespread boycott of US products and services by Canadians that began early last year in response to the president’s trade war and threats to annex his northern neighbour.
More than 3,500 people from across Canada shared with the Guardian via an online callout how they have made changes to their lives in response to the US administration’s political and economic stance. Many expressed deep anger and sadness, but remained resolute that this was now a new way of living.
I think you’re both correct - Canadian tourism is down dramatically, but overall tourism is, inexplicably, holding or recovering. All the figures I can find for tourism show that thus far 2026 is on track to meet the projected ~6% recovery vs 2025. It makes sense I guess - for example, fucking Dubai is still a major tourist destination.
Would make sense, if there’s a decline, prices will drop and attract new people from elsewhere.