'I will not again down': How and why Canadians are boycotting the U.S.

[ad_1] With Canada's commerce deadline now up with the U.S., leading to a 35 per cent hike on non-CUSMA exports, now we have been listening to about Canadians taking the continuing commerce struggle into their very own arms.

So we requested you to e mail ask@cbc.ca to inform us how and why you've gotten been boycotting U.S. items and journey. Dozens of you answered the decision and informed us what you are doing.

Unsurprisingly, most talked about seeking out extra Canadian merchandise and adopting an "something however American" mentality when Canadian options aren't out there. You additionally informed us about skipping out on journey to the U.S. and turning into extra aware about the place you're spending your cash.

'Rabid label readers' Some of the frequent issues we heard from Canadians is that they've turn out to be extra vigilant in terms of studying labels within the grocery retailer to see the place a product has been made.

"I am nonetheless checking labels to ensure every thing I purchase is made in Canada or a trade-friendly nation," Rita Bailey informed us.

WATCH | The challenges of shopping for Canadian: Why it may be more durable than you suppose to purchase Canadian

With the specter of U.S. tariffs looming, many are encouraging customers to purchase Canadian — however CBC’s Lyndsay Duncombe breaks down why it may be more durable than you suppose to purchase Canadian. Bailey additionally stated she's keen to take the time to analysis the place a product comes from earlier than shopping for it.

"Buying this manner makes me cease and suppose, 'Do I actually need this?' It has inspired me to take a step exterior the patron tradition, and that's good for my checking account and for my psychological/religious well-being."

This week Cross Nation Checkup is asking: How for much longer can you retain shopping for Canadian? Is boycott on U.S. items and journey serving to or hurting us at this level? Depart your remark right here and we could learn it or name you again for our present on Sunday!

Larry Sharpe informed us that he and his spouse have been boycotting U.S. items for the reason that day Donald Trump was sworn into workplace and the U.S. president's newest tariff insurance policies have solely bolstered his place.

"My spouse and I are fervent consumers of Canadian merchandise, virtually since day one." Sharpe wrote.

"We turned rabid label readers."

Refusing to cross the border Sharpe informed us that his boycott extends past studying labels and shopping for Canadian. He says he will not cross the border, regardless of residing a few 20-minute drive away.

"We refuse to cross the border though we ceaselessly did so within the pre-Trump period."

Gino Paolone additionally says he will not be travelling to the U.S., regardless of residing near the border in Thorold, Ont., and being a frequent traveller there up to now.

"I might go to the States two instances each month both for purchasing, gasoline, dinner and an annual golf journey," Paolone informed CBC Information. "Now I refuse to go over and help their financial system whereas they attempt to destroy ours."

WATCH | Canadians stay steadfast on U.S. boycotts: Purchase Canadian boycott nonetheless robust 6 months into U.S. commerce struggle

Six months after U.S. President Donald Trump launched a commerce struggle with Canada, the boycott of American items and journey continues to be going robust. Native options We additionally heard from people who find themselves shifting private property or investments from the U.S. to Canada, cancelling streaming companies, halting their snowbird migration patterns and discovering options of their communities.

"[I] attempt to purchase all my produce on the native farmers market," Karen Mount wrote.

When she will't discover a good Canadian choice she informed us she seems for a non-American substitute.

"I used to be shopping for produce from Mexico through the winter, which I didn't do previous to January 2025. I verify to see the place issues are made and put them again if made within the U.S."

Mount says she's solely relented for one product throughout her boycott.

"The one merchandise I've caved on is Smartwool socks. They're actually good."

A lifetime boycott Others wrote to us to say they can not ever see themselves ever going again to purchasing U.S. items or travelling to the nation once more.