Buy Canadian, Shop Canadian, and Support Canadian

How we went to a Trade War with our bordering neighbour

The 45th and 47th President of the United States of America Donald J. Trump’s message is clear: Make America Great Again. Unfortunately, his economic, nationalistic and far right policies have led to allies in a nightmare of uncertainty, including a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods that will go into effect on March 4. Fearing that will harm Canadian workers and jobs, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced retaliatory tariffs against the United States. While this is fine and dandy to stick it against our badly behaved neighbour, it got us thinking how we got here in the first place.

How did we get here?

During Trump’s presidential campaign, he said he would impose tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods, citing countries that have taken advantage of the United States’ trade system. In reality, different countries have complex trade policies. Trump reiterated his claim at campaign rallies and becoming president unless Canada and Mexico deal with the fentanyl crisis and illegal border crossing. The irony is that Canada and Mexico have stepped up with border patrols, drug busts and seizing firearms. As well as apprehending criminals for drugs and arms trafficking. Most of the firearms have come from the United States.

Adding insult to injury, Trump said Canada should be the “51st State” citing stronger economic ties and a stronger military. That didn’t sit well with Canadians and politicians of all stripes. Thu, a boycott on American corporations, retaliatory tariff, and booing the American National Anthem for sporting events. As well as canceling trips south of the border.

The PR perspective

It’s clear that Canada is proud to be called an independent country with its own sovereignty. Beyond that, there’s a shift toward supporting Canadian-owned businesses with each business having its own story on what makes it unique. Canadian-owned businesses have high-quality products you wouldn’t find at big box stores. It’s also purchasing products that we know and love. Tim Hortons released their Super Bowl parody ad to the classic tune of Stompin’ Tom Connors The Good Ol’ Hockey Game.

Social media users have taken the ‘Buy Canadian’ approach to educate people about what to look for when shopping Canadian for their next shopping trip, such as ‘Product of Canada’ or ‘Made In Canada.’ It’s a rally cry similar to the COVID-19 pandemic: ‘ Buy local or bye local.’ The buy local campaign was to support local businesses that are going through a tough time with pandemic restrictions and rent hikes.

Canadian brands and institutions

Canada Basketball

Canada Basketball released their ‘Sorry’ video before the 2016 Rio Olympics. While it shows that we’re polite, it also shows that we’re subtly throwing shade at our neighbours south of the border for the retaliatory tariffs. Also, basketball was invented by a Canadian named Dr. James Naismith.

Molson Canadian

Who could ever forget CBC journalist Jeff Douglas’ iconic Molson’s I Am Canadian on what it means to be a Canadian, from having a Prime Minister in charge of the country to praising Canada’s multiculturalism? Still relevant then, it still hits hard today.

Pizza Pizza

Pizza Pizza, Canada’s first pizza chain, has been in a resurgence delivering humorous ads such as the reverse tariffs, shrinkflation, mortgages, and politics. Its popularity stems from the go-to pizza choice from young and old and sponsorships from sports teams such as the Toronto Raptors and the Toronto Blue Jays.

Harvey’s

Harvey’s is another example of a Canadian-owned fast food chain whose catchy slogan is “Harvey’s makes your hamburger a beautiful thing.” The chain uses the freshest ingredients while never compromising on quality. It also supports Canadian farmers.

Chapman’s Ice Cream

Chapman’s Ice Cream is a beloved Canadian staple for ice cream lovers young and old. It is made from 100 percent Canadian dairy and is Canadian family-owned.

Kawartha Dairy

Kawartha Dairy is another Canadian ice cream staple owned and beloved by ice cream aficionados. Known for their rich and creamy yet bold flavours. It’s the perfect treat for the summer from Cottage Country to the comfort of your home.

Arc’teryx

Arc’teryx is a Canadian outdoor apparel store for those brave enough to weather the elements with innovative products that will keep you warm and dry while being stylish for whatever throws at you.

Entertainment

Beyond Canadian-owned businesses, we have entertainment. Canada is known as Hollywood North for a reason. Some of the popular series and films have been filmed in Canada. The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is home to one of the biggest film festivals amid award season. The TIFF Lightbox screens Canadian films made by Canadian filmmakers from Denis Villeneuve to Atom Egoyan. There’s also television made in Canada such as:

• Kim’s Convenience
• Corner Gas
• Corner Gas Animated
• Degrassi
• Kids In The Hall
• Red Green Show
• This Hour Has 22 Minutes
• Uh Oh!
• 6Teen
• Anne of Green Gables
• Royal Canadian Air Farce
• Being Ian
• Hockey Night In Canada
• Heartland
• Murdoch Mysteries
• Private Eyes
• SCTV
• The Beaverton
• Beachcombers
• Flashpoint

A friendly reminder that Canada is home to so many famous celebrities:

• Ryan Reynolds
• Ryan Gosling
• Alex Trebek
• Seth Rogen
• Sandra Oh
• Maitreyi Ramakrishnan
• Michael Buble
• The Tragically Hip
• Simu Liu
• The Weeknd
• Drake
• Lorne Michaels
• Rachel McAdams
• Cobie Smulders
• Jim Carrey
• Mike Myers
• Dave Foley
• Dan Aykroyd
• John Candy
• Lilly Singh
• JusReign
• Steve Nash
• Justin Bieber
• Maestro Fresh Wes
• Kardinal Offishal
• Colin Mochrie
• Jason Priestly
• Kiefer Sutherland
• Daniel Caesar
• TOBi
• Connor Price
• Kaytranada
• And so many more!

What’s next?

Canada didn’t want to be a trade war target, but the Trump Administration asked for it. Amid the Federal Election, looming, and who will be the next Prime Minister and Liberal leader. It will be tough to navigate economic warfare while dealing with Trump. Let’s not forget the thrilling overtime winner in the 4 Nations Tournament. Canada beat the Americans that not only lived up to expectations, but united the country as a whole, beaming with national pride from coast to coast to coast.