As US President Donald Trump intensified his rhetoric against Canada in early 2025, Canadian businesses, politicians, and everyday citizens began to push back in a unique and widespread manner. When Trump imposed hefty tariffs on Canadian goods, many Canadians found themselves at a crossroads. The resulting economic strain led to an unprecedented wave of patriotism, boycott campaigns, and political disruption in Canada.
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At the heart of this backlash is Graham Palmateer, the owner of Gram’s Pizza in Toronto. In late January, as Trump ramped up threats against Canada’s economy, Palmateer made a bold decision. “I just figured, that’s enough. I’m going to do this,” he told CNN, announcing that his pizzeria would no longer use products from the United States. Instead, he would source Italian tomatoes, Ontario-made pepperoni, and Canadian-made ingredients to serve his customers. His decision quickly resonated across Canada, where a wave of anti-American sentiment began to take root.
Trump’s administration had recently targeted Canada with a slew of tariffs on Canadian goods, worth billions of dollars. The tariffs came as part of a broader trade dispute, one that saw Trump derisively refer to Canada as the “51st state.” For many Canadians, this felt like a personal affront—one that demanded a collective response.
This emotional shift marked a rare moment of unity in a country that is usually known for its calm and politeness. While political tensions had simmered in Canada for months due to internal crises, Trump’s actions served as a galvanizing force for the Canadian public, pushing them to rally around national pride. In the months leading up to the tariffs, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced public frustration, but in the wake of Trump’s actions, his leadership and the Liberal Party received a much-needed boost.
The Rise of Canadian Patriotism
The anger among Canadians was palpable. In Windsor, Ontario, just across the border from Detroit, John Liedtke expressed the frustration many felt. “Canadians are upset, we’re angry, we’re dismayed,” he said. “I know of people who have said, ‘I’m never going to step foot on that side of the border again.’”
For Nikki Gauthier, a retired nurse from St. Catharines, the tariffs hit hard. She canceled her subscription to Amazon and turned to the Chinese online marketplace Temu, prioritizing Canadian-made goods whenever possible. “If there’s no Canadian lettuce, I’ll look for Mexican lettuce,” she explained.
This groundswell of nationalistic sentiment has been fueled by everyday Canadians who, like Palmateer, are making deliberate choices to reject American products. Palmateer’s decision to stop buying from US retailers like Costco has not only been supported by his local community but has also brought him closer to his customers. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen Canadians united about much,” he said. “This seems to be something pretty much everybody is on the same page about.”
Boycotts and Economic Responses
The boycott movement wasn’t confined to small businesses like Gram’s Pizza. Ontario Premier Doug Ford took swift action, directing government-run liquor stores to remove US products from the shelves, including popular brands like Jack Daniel’s and California wine. Ford also imposed a 25% tariff on electricity exports to several US states, signaling his strong opposition to Trump’s policies.
For Canadians, the move to buy local wasn’t just an economic choice—it became a symbol of resistance against perceived US aggression. The online directory “Made in Canada,” run by Torontonian Dylan Lobo, became a hub for Canadians seeking to support domestic brands. “I’ve never witnessed such a large response from the community,” Lobo said, noting that submissions from businesses looking to get listed on his site have surged from just a handful to thousands in a matter of weeks.
Even celebrities joined the wave of support. Canadian actor Mike Myers, portraying Elon Musk on “Saturday Night Live,” wore a t-shirt with the slogan, “Canada is not for sale,” and encouraged his fellow citizens to stand firm against Trump’s threats.
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A Shift in Canadian Politics
This newfound sense of patriotism has had a profound impact on Canada’s political landscape. Prior to Trump’s tariff threats, Trudeau’s leadership had been under intense scrutiny, with many Canadians calling for change. But in the wake of Trump’s actions, the public began to rally behind Trudeau and the Liberal Party. Recent polling data showed that support for the Liberals had increased dramatically, while the once-dominant Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, saw its lead shrink.
Poilievre, who had previously distanced himself from Trump, was now forced to pivot his messaging to focus on a “Canada first” narrative. The shift in priorities, prompted by Trump’s tariffs, has left Canadian voters searching for leadership that can protect the country from future economic and political challenges. As Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, noted, Canadians’ views on their country’s direction have taken a dramatic turn, with more than 30% of Canadians now feeling optimistic about the country’s future, up from just 19% in early 2025.
The Future of Canada-US Relations
As the trade conflict with the US continues, Canadians are more determined than ever to assert their independence. Many citizens are already considering their country’s future in terms of less reliance on the US. Premier David Eby of British Columbia put it succinctly: “We’ve got friends, family and relationships that have gone back for generations across the border. We love our American family members. But Canadians will never again put ourselves in the position of being so dependent on the United States.”
As the political climate heats up, Canadian officials are preparing for the potential ramifications of ongoing trade disputes, and citizens are resolute in their desire to support domestic products. The question remains: will this surge in patriotism and resistance mark a lasting shift in Canada’s relationship with the US?
For now, one thing is certain—Canada’s response to Trump’s tariffs has united a divided nation and ignited a new sense of pride that may define the country’s political future for years to come.