Canadians boycott goods from U.S.

Insults, tariffs inspire many to alter shopping habits, rethink vacations

Natalie McLellan no longer stocks Heinz ketchup, Florida oranges or any other foods that come from the United States at her home in LaSalle, Ontario.

The 42-year-old autism consultant is one of a growing number of Canadians who are boycotting U.S. products, a decision motivated by President Donald Trump’s anti-Canadian sentiments and tough trade stance.

“I really don’t feel comfortable supporting our neighbors,” McLellan said. “It seems Trump and the politicians and the people of your country who stand behind him don’t want to have a global community.”

The U.S. has imposed tariffs on Canadian lumber, steel and aluminum. As Trump left the Group of 7 meeting of industrial nations in Quebec this month, he criticized Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a tweet, calling him “very dishonest & weak.”

Trump withdrew the United States from a joint document that summarized what was agreed to at the G-7 summit.

Now, hashtags such as #BoycottUSA, #BuyCanadian and #VacationCanada — and their French equivalents in the bilingual nation — are bubbling among patriotic Canadians. Some are avoiding everything American, whether it is fresh and packaged food, U.S.-based retailers and chain restaurants, appliances, cars or travel destinations.

For household staples, McLellan opts for either similar Canadian-made products or does without.

She has turned to the internet to help her find non-American products. She’s canceling plans for trips to see Detroit’s professional sports teams, such as baseball’s Tigers, the NFL’s Lions and the NHL’s Red Wings.

Canada is the United States’ secondlargest trading partner behind China.

U.S. goods and services trade with Canada totaled an estimated $673.9 billion in 2017 – $341.2 billion in exports and $332.8 billion in imports – according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

“I’m not very happy with what’s going on,” said Robyn Berry, a retired bingo caller in British Columbia. “The only way I can speak is with my dollars.”