Introduction to a New Era in Canada-US Relations
The inauguration of US President Donald Trump for his second term marked the beginning of significant global shifts, with Canada, America’s closest neighbor to the north, feeling the impact profoundly. Over the past year, Trump’s policies and rhetoric have led to a noticeable change in the long-standing relationship between the two countries, affecting not only trade and security but also the daily lives of Canadians.
A Shift in Perception: How Canadians View the US
The relationship between Canada and the US has historically been complex, with periods of cooperation and tension. However, the past 12 months have seen a marked change in Canadians’ overall attitudes towards the US. According to a Pew Research Center poll conducted in the spring, 64% of Canadians held a negative view of the US, the highest ever recorded in over two decades of polling. This represents a significant reversal from the pre-Trump era, when the majority of Canadians viewed their southern neighbor favorably.
Loss of Confidence in Trump
The same poll indicated that 77% of Canadians lack confidence in Trump as a president, with 9 out of 10 respondents describing him as “arrogant” and three-quarters believing he is “dangerous.” These sentiments are echoed in other polls, such as one by Angus Reid, which suggested that nearly half of Canadians (46%) want their government to approach the US as an “enemy or potential threat.” This perception is higher than for countries like India (24%) or China (34%).
Impact on Travel and Tourism
The US has long been the number one travel destination for Canadians, given the proximity of the two countries. However, the number of Canadians making trips south has dropped by more than 25%, according to Statistics Canada. This decline has been noticed by the American tourism industry, which forecasts a loss of $5.7 billion in tourism spending in 2025 compared to the previous year. In response, some US jurisdictions, like California, have run advertisements to entice Canadians back.
A Shift in Travel Preferences
Many Canadians have opted to vacation at home, with the domestic tourism sector reporting a record-breaking $59 billion in revenues from May to August, up 6% from the same period last year. Others have chosen to visit Mexico, with national data showing a 12% surge in Canadians visiting Mexican cities in the last year. This shift in travel preferences not only reflects a change in how Canadians view the US but also highlights the economic implications of strained relations between the two countries.
Economic Impacts: Buying Local and Diversifying Trade
The effects of Trump’s policies on Canada are not limited to travel and tourism. The imposition of tariffs on several key Canadian sectors has led to a boycott of US products, with Canadians choosing local alternatives instead. In liquor stores, for example, American alcohol was pulled from shelves by most provinces in retaliation to Trump’s levies, resulting in a 9% drop in US spirits exports to Canada in the last quarter of 2025.
Diversifying Trade Partners
Canada is also seeking to diversify its trade relationships, mending strained ties with countries like China and India. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to China, the first by a Canadian prime minister since 2017, resulted in a deal that would reduce tariffs between the two countries and increase access to each other’s markets. This shift towards forming new alliances and strengthening existing ones underscores Canada’s effort to reduce its dependence on the US and navigate the challenges posed by Trump’s unpredictable trade policies.
Domestic Politics: An Upended Federal Election
The impact of Trump’s presidency on Canada extends beyond economic and trade relations, influencing the country’s domestic politics as well. Before Trump’s second term, the governing Liberal Party seemed headed for a historic collapse in the federal election. However, the political landscape shifted significantly, with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigning and making way for Carney, who campaigned on his economic experience and ability to stand up to Trump.
A New Political Landscape
Carney’s leadership and campaign strategy led to the Liberals’ unexpected return to power, with voters giving the party a few seats shy of a majority government. This outcome underscores the significant role that Trump’s presidency has played in shaping Canada’s political narrative and the priorities of its citizens.
Conclusion: Navigating the Future of Canada-US Relations
The past year has marked a significant shift in Canada-US relations, with profound implications for trade, tourism, domestic politics, and the way Canadians perceive their southern neighbor. As Canada navigates this new landscape, it is clear that the country is seeking to diversify its relationships, strengthen its economy, and assert its sovereignty in the face of an unpredictable US administration. The future of Canada-US relations will undoubtedly be shaped by the policies and actions of both countries, requiring careful diplomacy, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of the complex factors at play.
