Dear American Friends,
Right now, the relationship between Canada and the U.S. is under serious strain. The Trump administration’s unpredictable tariffs on Canadian goods, along with reckless and unrelenting talks of annexation, are creating tensions that didn’t need to exist.
In response, some Canadian provinces are pulling American alcohol from their shelves, and honestly, it’s not because we don’t like your whiskey or craft beer—it’s because we need to get your attention.
We understand that some American alcohol producers are appealing to Canadian liquor distributors, pleading with them not to cut off sales. They argue that businesses and consumers on both sides of the border will suffer. And they’re right.
But here’s the problem: Canadians don’t vote in your elections. Only you do. The economic war your administration is waging against Canada isn’t something we can fix on our own. The only way things change is if you put pressure on your state and federal leaders to stop these self-destructive policies. And to do that, we need you to notice the unnecessary pain that your Administration is wilfully imposing on us.
We’ve been good neighbours for over 150 years, trading fairly and working together through thick and thin.
- One of the most remarkable acts of neighbourly generosity occurred in Gander, Newfoundland, a small town of about 10,000 people, in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States, in 2001. Gander alone took in nearly 7,000 stranded passengers, offering them food, shelter, and care for several days as the world waited for air travel to resume. The kindness and hospitality of the people of Gander became legendary, later inspiring the Broadway musical Come From Away.
- We also launched Operation Yellow Ribbon to assist the United States. With U.S. airspace closed, Canada accepted 225 to 240 diverted flights, accommodating thousands of stranded passengers. Communities across Canada provided shelter, food, and comfort to these unexpected guests, exemplifying profound hospitality and support.
- And following the 9/11 attacks, Canada and the U.S. collaborated as neighbours should to enhance border security while facilitating trade and travel. This led to the Smart Border Declaration in December 2001, aiming to bolster security measures and streamline cross-border procedures.
- In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, in 2005, Canada provided substantial aid and relief. The Canadian Forces initiated Operation UNISON, deploying naval vessels, aircraft, and personnel to assist in search and rescue operations, deliver supplies, and offer medical support. Additionally, Canadian Medical Assistance Teams (CMAT) sent assessment teams to the affected areas to evaluate medical needs and coordinate relief efforts.
- Following hurricanes such as Debby, Helene, and Milton, utility companies like Duke Energy mobilized extensive resources to restore power, including seeking external aid from within the United States and Canada. (“Duke said that given the severity of the three storms, the filing covers a range of costs, such as deploying hundreds of crews across the company’s service territories and acquiring significant assistance from the country and Canada.” – Reuters)
- And more recently, during the devastating fires in California, Canada stepped up. The Canadian government deployed aircraft and helicopters, including two Canadair CL-415 water bombers, to aid in firefighting efforts. We offered up 250 firefighters, along with equipment and additional resources, to support the firefighting operations. Assistance came from across the country, spanning several provinces far and wide.
And now, Trump is claiming that the trade deal he himself negotiated in 2020 isn’t fair to Americans.
That’s nonsense.
A responsible leader—one who respects process and law—would sit down and renegotiate if necessary, not rule by presidential order, aka authoritarian decree. And let’s be honest, with 34 criminal convictions from a jury of his peers and 11 bankruptcies under his belt, we know Trump isn’t exactly known for playing by the rules.
So, Americans, we’re asking you to step up. Canadians do NOT want a trade war. We do NOT want to boycott your products. We like your wines and your whiskeys, sometimes more than we like our own.
But please don’t misinterpret out politeness. If our only way to get your attention is to hit where it hurts—your wallets—then we’ll do it. Because at the end of the day, only you can demand better leadership.
Let’s not let one administration destroy a century and a half of partnership. Now that we have your attention, we implore you: Speak to your lawmakers, your governors, your congresswomen and men, your senators, your judges and your president. We cannot.
So we ask of you: Make your voices heard.
—Your Canadian Neighbours
