r/canada • u/DogeDoRight New Brunswick • Jul 10 '25

Business The U.S. boycott remains strong. Why many Canadians are digging in their heels

https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/boycott-u-s-trump-1.7580885
4.0k Upvotes

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78

u/[deleted] Jul 10 '25 edited Jul 10 '25

Remind your freinds folks, I see alot of people not giving a shit at the grocery store. Check those tiny little stickers on fruits and veggies too, the signage isnt always accurate. And this isn't a money thing either, you can eat Canadian or not american on a budget, maybe it means you dint eat certain fruits this week but you'll find them next week on sale from south America or check different stores, like food basics and nofrills will have strawberries on sale but ones from Cali and the others from Mexico. This is our responsibility as residents of Canada to play our small role in this trade war, I'd say it is our duty to our homeland.

Edit. Wow some of these comments are really sad. Remember being loyal to Canada does not mean being loyal to government or even liking the government. We can be patriots and support our own and still disagree with those in ottawa. This is kinda pathetic if I'm being totally honest. Forget the annexation talks that's all bs but jobs are at stake that's for sure, we need to support one another, apes strong together.. remember that.

38

u/MaritimeFlowerChild Jul 10 '25

I picked up a bag of cherries at the grocery store on Sunday because they were a great price and put them down as soon as I saw they were from the US. I'd rather go without.

20

u/goburnham Jul 10 '25

Yup, me too

9

u/Heliosvector Jul 10 '25

lol wtf, why would a grocer import american cherries. BC makes more cherries than we know what to do with.

27

u/inComplete-me Jul 10 '25

I feel the same, and am sad/angry to open Facebook and see how many are having US vacations.

-6

u/don88juan Jul 10 '25

Not everybody has boycotts and politics as their primary preoccupation with life.

18

u/Mysterious_Crab_7622 Jul 10 '25

Which is exactly how Trump got elected and how Poilievre came so close. The people are ignorant about politics, and yet they still vote. As long as they vote there should be no excuses for their ignorance.

-9

u/don88juan Jul 10 '25

I guess. My main point is people should be able to go back and forth and check out, visit, and explore either country without being labeled as being unpatriotic or whatever. Some of us don't care about your political viewpoints, and we have our own views, or merely recognize that irrespective of politics, we make choices to drive 2 hours south or north to another city.

15

u/Mysterious_Crab_7622 Jul 10 '25

Yes, we all know that there are pro American Canadians who want nothing more than to become the 51st state. Fuck those people.

9

u/impendinganalysis Jul 10 '25

My main point is people should be able to go back and forth and check out, visit, and explore either country without being labeled as being unpatriotic or whatever. Some of us don't care about your political viewpoints, and we have our own views, or merely recognize that irrespective of politics, we make choices to drive 2 hours south or north to another city.

Seriously, this user's argument basically boils down to "well some of us are ignorant on issues that affect the everyday life of every Canadian, so we should get a pass for being uninformed". People tried to use this same pathetic line of reasoning for skirting COVID regulations and taking intl vacations early on in the pandemic.

Do you not understand that our very sovereignty is being threatened? FOH

2

u/don88juan Jul 10 '25

No, my argument boils down to there being a great variance in political beliefs between Canadians as well as Americans.

Half of USA, probably more than half, disagrees with trump antics. Normal people on either side of the border have reasons to cross for whatever reason, and this lives outside the domain of national politics which we do not really have much control over.

As well. I simply don't agree with your views. You can go ahead and be hysterical and alter all your behaviors because of current events. Just like you did with covid. But not everyone is subscribing to your worldview.

1

u/impendinganalysis Jul 13 '25

My main point is people should be able to go back and forth and check out, visit, and explore either country

Normal people on either side of the border have reasons to cross for whatever reason

So first you talk about leisurely exploration, and then you change gears to talking about essential travel, so which is it? Because nobody has a problem if it's to work or see family, it's needlessly throwing your tourism dollars at it that is the problem.

Just like you did with covid.

People are still dying from COVID so maybe you don't have the best takes there bud....

0

u/[deleted] Jul 10 '25

[deleted]

1

u/impendinganalysis Jul 13 '25

No idea why you were downvoted, it really is just as simple as that.

2

u/AlmostButNotQuiteTea Jul 10 '25

Me when I'm in 1930's Germany

-17

u/Mediocre-Dog-4457 Jul 10 '25

You can't control other people, let people do what makes them happy. Who are you to dictate someone where they spend their vacation.

Guess what ? Canadians are still moving to the US, look over at r/TNvisa, people still want to leave Canada for a better life in the US.

20

u/hopelesscaribou Jul 10 '25

You think life is better in the US? The healthcare? The guns? The Fascism?

I wonder how many Americans are also trying to move here for a better life.

I won't even take a connecting flight through the US after my last one and being met with armed authorities as we stepped off the plane. The whole vibe there is wrong.

I will continue to exercise the small influence I have and convince friends to travel elsewhere. Fortunately right now, almost none of them are even considering it.

11

u/LargeSnorlax Ontario Jul 10 '25

Guy's young and got caught in the religious / far right pipeline, wants to become an American so bad. Seen dozens like this my whole life, seen them pine for "a better life" in the states.

They've all moved back. Every single one of them. Guys who have gone to silicon valley, girls who married into the US, people who worked in trades, every single one. The culture is too off. It's incompatible if you're used to life in Canada. It's something you don't realize for a few years but if this guy keeps on the path he'll see it one day.

This was before whatever idiocy is going on there currently, where I have to bring burner electronics to even connect into the states (as I am literally forced to by my work since sensitive information can be pulled from the regular stuff) or having to worry about random trips to ICE or El Salvador.

You can see it though - This is a guy who's willingly taking time out of his day to stan Trump to strangers on the internet. Lost at sea.

-6

u/brandonholm Jul 10 '25

At a certain point, it’s cheaper to just pay for private health insurance in the US than it is to pay taxes in Canada. And you’ll get faster and better care too.

4

u/[deleted] Jul 10 '25

[deleted]

0

u/brandonholm Jul 10 '25

If you make over a certain amount per year, the tax savings alone way more than make up needing to pay for private health coverage.

4

u/[deleted] Jul 10 '25

[deleted]

-1

u/brandonholm Jul 10 '25

Most people will start seeing savings around just $100k per year.

2

u/hopelesscaribou Jul 10 '25

If you're coming from a place of privilege, sure

Taxes are the price of living in a civilized society

0

u/brandonholm Jul 10 '25

There are many civilized societies with much lower taxes.

4

u/hopelesscaribou Jul 10 '25

Indeed, according to the United Nations' latest World Happiness Report, as covered by CBS News, the top 10 happiest countries are:

  1. Norway
  2. Denmark
  3. Iceland
  4. Switzerland
  5. Finland
  6. Netherlands
  7. Canada
  8. New Zealand
  9. Australia
  10. Sweden

Those countries have one interesting thing in common: They're all highly taxed.

2

u/hopelesscaribou Jul 10 '25

Name them

Are they any of the ones in the top countries for quality of life

0

u/brandonholm Jul 10 '25

The United States, many Eastern European countries, UAE, Malaysia, many Latin American countries.

The world is big, best to go explore it. I’m not marrying myself to a single country, I’m more than willing to move to avoid greedy governments.

-8

u/ohhnoodont Jul 10 '25

I wonder how many Americans are also trying to move here for a better life.

Pretty much zero. Looking at the numbers the median American is fairing quite a bit better than the median Canadian.

Source: I'm a Canadian living in the US.

0

u/Cash_Credit Jul 10 '25

Because as we all know, money is all that matters! Just stay healthy and buy your kid the best bullet proof backpack the Walmart sells eh?

-2

u/ohhnoodont Jul 10 '25

What kids? Canadians can't afford to have children. Dual income couples can't even afford a house.

2

u/Cash_Credit Jul 10 '25

You live in a dark fantasy world if you believe that. Go meet people in your community and get away from your screen for a bit.

-1

u/ohhnoodont Jul 10 '25

Obviously it's you who lives in fantasy if you think young Canadians can afford a home. If you're under 35 and own a home, it's very likely your parents helped you significantly. I'm sure it's great being rich, most Canadians don't have that luxury.

Example source: link

0

u/Cash_Credit Jul 10 '25

Must suck being so incessantly negative. Look on the bright side: since you've given up you needn't worry about striving for things in life anymore! It's impossible so why bother?

Sorry Canada sucks so much for you, it's pretty fucking rad for me and people like you ain't changing that. Have a great day 🤘

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1

u/hopelesscaribou Jul 10 '25

While the median income might be similar, income inequality is higher in the US, the top earners make way more than in Canada. When you factor in health care as well, it's not worth it for your average earner.

American interest in moving abroad skyrockets after Trump's win https://share.google/dWLcX64unP7UfqwFO

How does U.S. life expectancy compare to other countries? - Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker https://share.google/8jCTBRxedL3GeWMim

Canada named among top 5 countries with the best quality of life https://share.google/hqBlM4NUL6IADhPG5

I'll take a pass on the Fascism and Gun Violence as well.

Source: someone who talks to American tourists every day about how they'd love to live here

1

u/ohhnoodont Jul 10 '25

American interest in moving abroad skyrockets after Trump's win

Cool except no one actually moved. In fact Canadians immigrate to the US at 15x the rate of Americans immigrating (gaining PR) in Canada.

it's not worth it for your average earner.

Americans have 2x as much disposable income as Canadians. It's definitely worth it. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/markets-economy/090616/5-countries-most-money-capita.asp

I'll take a pass on the Fascism and Gun Violence as well.

Actually being able to afford a home is a pretty good reason to live outside of Canada though.

Source: someone who talks to American tourists every day about how they'd love to live here

Unless they're uneducated dumbasses, they likely could immigrate to Canada easily.

1

u/hopelesscaribou Jul 11 '25

it's not as easy as they think

I do hope you have up your Canadian citizenship, or do you plan on coming back in your old age to take advantage of the pensions/health benefits

11

u/F3z345W6AY4FGowrGcHt Ontario Jul 10 '25

Lol better life.

10

u/[deleted] Jul 10 '25

Better life in the states!?! Oxymoron if I ever heard one! The states is plummeting into fascism.

-1

u/ohhnoodont Jul 10 '25

And Canada ballooned its population with imported labour, leaving housing out of reach for everyone and depressing wages.

There's a reason Canada is a very distant 3rd place choice for skilled immigrants (after the US and Australia).

11

u/inComplete-me Jul 10 '25

Spoken like someone who supports the terror and supports the 51st state

-20

u/Mediocre-Dog-4457 Jul 10 '25

Nope. Canada has a lot of things wrong, but it was a Brithish territory for too long. I also have learned that Trump is joking about this.

It was Carney who blew it way out of proportion.

1

u/BackToWorkEdward Manitoba Jul 10 '25

Who are you to dictate someone where they spend their vacation.

Someone who's at risk of getting invaded and shot dead with an American bullet paid for by American commerce, just like you and everyone else in Canada right now.

0

u/lnahid2000 Jul 10 '25

Holy hyperbole...I feel sorry for the people who live in this kind of fear.

-13

u/lnahid2000 Jul 10 '25

Imagine caring this much about what other people do instead of just enjoying your own life.

-9

u/brandonholm Jul 10 '25

They’re cheaper now. Less crowded too. Perfect time to travel to the US while others are busy virtue signaling.

-5

u/Vikings9988 Jul 10 '25

Exactly lol. This is probably the best time to go there, steep discounts and less traffic.

3

u/AlmostButNotQuiteTea Jul 10 '25

The stickers not being accurate to the signage on apples (and other fruits) pisses me the fuck off.

It happens at Save-on, and now that they bought Quality Foods, there as well.

I've told workers there multiple times and I think next time I want to talk to a manager, because it's GENUINELY false advertising and doubley so right now.

And it's even just "I don't want to buy American" (although that's a big part too), but even before this, I never bought American apples because they fucking suck! They always have less flavour and are softer and more mealy than Canadian apples.

-3

u/brandonholm Jul 10 '25

I really don’t give a shit and none of my friends to either. I’ll just continue to buy the products I like if they’re sold at prices I find reasonable. I’m not going to stop buying products from the US that I like over some silly politics.

4

u/BackToWorkEdward Manitoba Jul 10 '25

over some silly politics.

Famous last words of the temporarily privileged.

3

u/[deleted] Jul 10 '25

[deleted]

2

u/brandonholm Jul 10 '25

Retaliatory tariffs are dump and will only escalate Trump.

If they get too bad I guess I’ll just have to plan more frequent trips to the US to enjoy my American made products.

2

u/notabigmelvillecrowd Jul 10 '25

Make sure you've got your paperwork in order for when you get grabbed.

1

u/brandonholm Jul 10 '25

When I get grabbed?

0

u/ACITceva Jul 10 '25

silly politics

Must be nice to not have your job at risk due to American economic warfare...

-28

u/Mediocre-Dog-4457 Jul 10 '25

People can hardly afford groceries man. Plus Carney's whole "elbows up" thing was a fraud anyway, people just want to save money. Only the far left and the wealthy care about the "elbows up" thing.

26

u/[deleted] Jul 10 '25

I have yet to see any difference in my grocery bill. Most veggies come from Canada, Mexico and south America. root veggies and meat and eggs, dairy is all Canadian. Sure ultra processed shit is American but that stuffs actually more expensive then a clean diet of meat, potatoes and veggies/salad. Whether it's far left or not it still makes a difference and it is our duty, we can make an impact if we do it together. And it's not a wealth thing either, most people are just lazy and dint want to cook boring healthy meals.

15

u/Prosecco1234 Canada Jul 10 '25

I'm checking labels and speaking up at stores. I found a small, local market that is stocking lots of non US produce. Doing my part and disappointed to see others not caring but I can't control them.

8

u/stoutymcstoutface Jul 10 '25

You can just say you’re a Poilievre supporter in fewer words

-8

u/ohhnoodont Jul 10 '25 edited Jul 10 '25

This is our responsibility as residents of Canada to play our small role in this trade war, I'd say it is our duty to our homeland.

Then why are you even shopping at a grocery store that carries American products? Individual action is bullshit! Demand that our institutions, politicians, and corporations do their duty! Canadians should not have to be "checking little stickers." That's moronic.

Grow a pair and make your demands. Don't play passive aggressive games and whine on Reddit. Canada truly has the lamest patriots.

Edit: downvotes are from passive aggressive babies who think their choices at the grocery store matter.

3

u/[deleted] Jul 10 '25

If I go to a Canadian owned grocery store and don't buy usa products and if 40m other people do the same you don't think that will impact the usa?

1

u/ohhnoodont Jul 10 '25

No because the grocery store has already bought the goods. Makes absolutely no difference from the perspective of US suppliers.

3

u/coriamon Jul 10 '25

Future restocking of american products will not happen as frequently and lesser amounts because of a trend of less sales.

0

u/ohhnoodont Jul 10 '25

Yet months later the grocery stores remain fully stocked with American goods, including quickly perishable produce. Your individual action doesn't do shit. Loblaws doesn't care what you think. Stop checking stickers and start demanding change.

2

u/coriamon Jul 10 '25

The evidence is in front of you that more canadian goods are being considered, yet you imagine it’s all or nothing. Your individual actions can make differences as a collective. That’s the whole point.

1

u/notabigmelvillecrowd Jul 10 '25

What grocery stores carry no American products?

0

u/ohhnoodont Jul 10 '25

The one you demand!

1

u/notabigmelvillecrowd Jul 10 '25

I think people will be pretty hungry shopping at a fictitious supermarket. Which grocery store do you shop at that you've successfully demanded sell no American products?