TORONTO (AP) - As Canadians absorb U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war and his threats to make Canada the 51st state, one thing has become abundantly clear: One of the world’s most durable and amicable alliances - born of geography, heritage and centuries of common interests - is broken.
Neighbors in dispute: After Trump declares a trade war, Canadians grapple with a sense of betrayal
TORONTO (AP) - As Canadians absorb U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war and his threats to make Canada the 51st state, one thing has become abundantly clear: One of the world’s most durable and amicable alliances - born of geography, heritage and centuries of common interests - is broken.
Canadians are feeling an undeniable sense of betrayal after Trump declared a trade trade war against America’s northern neighbor and longtime ally. Trump keeps threatening Canada's sovereignty and is poised to put sweeping 25% tariffs on Canadian products on Tuesday. Discussion and disapproval are everywhere. Canadian hockey fans have even been booing the American national anthem at recent National Hockey League games.
Addressing the nation this past weekend, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau channeled the betrayal that many Canadians are feeling, reminding Americans that Canadian troops fought alongside them in Afghanistan and helped respond to myriad crises from wildfires in California to Hurricane Katrina. "We were always there standing with you, grieving with you, the American people," he said.
"The damage is going to be long-lasting," said Robert Bothwell, a professor of Canadian history and international relations at the University of Toronto. "The Americans won't be trusted anymore. The 51st state stuff is just contemptuous. It treats Canada like we don't even exist."