THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION vs CANADA
Is it possible? The US under Trump is managing to make an enemy of Canada (pop. 41 million), which, since its independence in 1867, has been a partner on many occasions.
Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada said on 8/22, “We cannot accept what is offered and we will not give what they ask…We were not prepared to compromise Canada’s sovereignty or undermine our key industries…You’re at war when you’re attacked, and we got attacked.” So what did the US offer and demand?
Besides unacceptably high tariffs on Canadian autos and trucks, aluminum and steel products, forest industry exports and alcohol, which could cost 90,000 Canadian jobs, the US demanded that Canada roll back its efforts “to promote Canadian and French language content in online streaming services, subsidies for industries like publishing and film production and even mandatory labeling in French, an official language in Canada, as well as English in packaging.”
The Trump administration has insulted Canadian sovereignty as well as its leaders. It has acted like the bully of the Western Hemisphere. And Canada has stood up to the attack. Let us hope it can afford to keep doing so.
Source: The New York Times, 8/22/26