The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge - Your Turn -- You Are Angry, But What Are You Going To Do About It?

Episode Date: February 6, 2025

That's the focus of this week's Your Turn and your letters aren't shy. Neither is the Random Ranter.

And hello there, Peter Mansbridge here. You're just moments away from the latest episode of The Bridge. It's your turn, you're angry, so what are you going to do about it? We'll find out from you and from the Random Ranter. Coming right up. Well, Thursday's mean your turn and gosh, you've really written in a lot this week. Lots of new listeners writing in for the first time. And a lot of really interesting comments about what you feel in terms of that relationship that Canada has with the United States, and what you feel you can do about this latest twist in that relationship.

You're angry. Let's say there's no doubt about that. It's running, I don't know, 15, maybe 20 to one in that score in terms of the letters, in terms of the mail this week. Quite something. Now, because you wrote so much, I want to get right to it because there's lots of them. I want to get in as many as I can. I'll never get to them all. And this is even the cut list. So here we go. Ian Godsman in Calgary. This has certainly changed my mind about the U.S.

I feel betrayed. And this feels to me like an existential threat to Canada's future. No travel, tourism is my little part. No Vegas, no Orlando, no LA. Lee Fennell in Spolumchine, BC. Now, I'm not sure about the pronunciation on that. I've never heard of it before, but welcome to the program. This is in the Okanagan Valley near Vernon, I believe. I'm going to keep calm and look at the long-term vision of Canada and its economic prosperity and embrace a Canada that has been awakened

to address open borders, unfettered immigration, and a lack of seriousness about rampant drug manufacturing and distribution to the U.S. There's going to be large-scale change in Canada, which I welcome. John McCann in Calgary. I will never forget this betrayal. The days of Canada relying on U.S. trade as such a significant part of our gross domestic product must end.

We can't maintain our sovereignty when we're so beholden to another country. Vive la Canada. Sean Peake in King City, Ontario. That's north of Toronto. The tariffs have not made me think differently about the U.S. It's made me think about what we could have done better as a nation to not be put in this situation. Better be proactive than reactive. Jason Cook in St. Albert, Alberta. That's just on the outskirts of Edmonton. I'm being more intentional with my choice of language. This is Trump's trade war,

much as the invasion of Ukraine is Putin's war. I also try my best not to refer to the United States or the U.S. It's not an objective truth. Calling America the U.S. is like calling North Korea by their tyrant's chosen name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Nothing could be farther from the truth there, and much to my great sadness, there is nothing very united about America under Trump these days. Jackie McLeod in Charleston, South Carolina. I'm a Canadian who's lived in the U.S. since 1993. Still fiercely Canadian.

I feel betrayed like a sibling has stabbed me in the back. This is unfair bullying. There are two flags that fly outside my home. The stars and stripes will be coming down, and the red maple leaf will be flying solo. Jackie is in Charleston, South Carolina. Rob Apkar Taylor in London, Ontario. My husband and I are new Canadians who left the U.S. two years ago. We will support everything Canadian from groceries to vacations.

We look forward to Canadian citizenship as soon as we can get it. Judy Lake, her home's in Nova Scotia, but she's currently at their winter home in Naples, Florida. It's a golf community. I'm no longer going to avoid political conversations with Americans. Although it will fall on deaf ears, I will offer the truth to their Trump-informed opinions. They are no longer entitled to be ignorant of facts.

Colin Juckins in Chicago, Illinois. I'm going to change my stateside travel plans. My wife and I normally travel a handful of times a year for quick weekends across the USA, but instead we'll be supporting Canada and their economy with my dollars. Kristen Guite in Telqua, BC. It's in northwest BC near Smithers. The U.S. is not a reliable partner. It's an economic threat playing by its own volatile rules.

Clinging to the dollar out of habit only deepens that dependence. Personally, I'm starting to view the euro not just as a currency, but as a hedge, something worth supporting through investments and trade, because waiting for the U.S. to stabilize is a losing game. We need alternatives that protect our economies from American chaos. The Euro offers that possibility, but only if we're bold enough to choose it. Shane Stiles in Kelowna, B.C. Firstly, booing at hockey games. Seriously. Talk about lowering yourself to your opponent's level.

As for proposed imposed tariffs, I respect the U.S. more today than before. I wish our leaders would stand up as hard for our country. I'm trying to figure out how to shift more of my business into the U.S. Their business climate was more favorable before, and now it's even more attractive and likely to get better. Denise King in Halifax. We can no longer trust that the U.S.A. will adhere to the trading agreements

that they negotiate and sign. Thus, Canada must make serious changes to make us a more resilient and productive country. So for me, the major change that I will make is to rethink how I will vote in the upcoming federal election. My focus now will be 100% on who can show the true leadership needed to bring this country together to make the difficult and path-altering changes that we need? Who can lead us to understand that we must exploit our vast natural resources, albeit in a sustainable way, but exploit nonetheless? Who will lead us to understand

that each province must put country number one and bring down trade barriers and allow pipelines and other interprovincial infrastructure. I'm very open to voting for either of our major parties and will be listening intently for the right leader to emerge. Rebecca Say in Edmonton. I'm planning a major home renovation, bringing my 1960s basement into the 21st century, and will be making a lot of purchases related to the project. Before the tariff threats, I would have considered made-in- America goods to be appealing, likely high quality and manufactured under humane conditions.

However, those factors are completely outweighed by Trump's threats to Canada's economy and sovereignty. I've started searching specifically for Canadian manufactured home improvement products and have been happy to discover many excellent options. Do they cost more than American alternatives? In many cases, yes. Will I buy a few made in China products so I don't break the bank? Very likely, but I certainly won't be buying American. Hamid Zamani in North Vancouver, BC. The tariffs imposed by the U.S. have not changed my perception about the U.S. On the contrary, it has reaffirmed it. The U.S. has been bullying many developing countries since the end of World War II to exploit their resources in various ways.

Now it's employing the same old policies and rhetoric to exploit its allies and friends. Ron Fisher in Moncton. I was planning to go on family vacation in New England this summer, but now it's beautiful Quebec City in Montreal. Donald Trump is a hoser. David Seed in Shaker Heights, Ohio. That's a suburb of Cleveland.

There are a lot of letters from Americans this week. I plan to visit Canada again as soon as possible to see the beautiful country and spend money to support the Canadian economy. Phil Weiner in Hamilton, Ontario. This is a week to flip the switch. So rather than take negative action to send a message to Trump by stopping my purchase of Florida orange juice, I've decided to do a positive and make phone calls to my 15 or so American friends

in New York State, Michigan, California, D.C., and Florida to let them know that in spite of their current leader, I want to talk to them about how they are doing personally. Underline that I want to continue our valued friendship now more than ever and that this too will pass. I'm sure they are as comfortable as I am about the tariff war, but personal relationships are so much more important than government interventions. Chris Ollie in Whitby, Ontario. My opinion of the U.S. has changed little.

However, my opinion of its people and their inability to see through Trump's selfishness and lies have changed greatly for the negative. Marjorie Ferguson in Hamilton. I didn't entirely agree with Janice Stein on Monday. This idea that one can reason with or affect Trump's behavior if you only do the right thing, I don't know. I don't buy it. As for what I'll do, I'm eyeing my streaming services. But I'm not sure.

Carrie Delglish in Burlington, Ontario. The tariffs did not change my opinion of America or Americans. That change came on election night. I recommend that no one spend another dime inside the United States. My daughter and I flew to Arizona for the Rams-Vikings playoff game. Not again. Let's stay in Canada. Maybe next season my daughter and I fly to Edmonton for a Ticoff game. Not again. Let's stay in Canada. Maybe next season my daughter and I fly

to Edmonton for a Ticat game. Ben Oates in St. John's, Newfoundland. One thing I'll do going forward is stop giving Americans the benefit of the doubt, whether it be in private, professional, personal, or political matters. I will exercise a great deal of skepticism of our so-called greatest ally. We are not as ideologically aligned as we sometimes claim we are. David Oliver in Oak Bay, BC. When the economic levers go, the political independence is sure to follow. Those are John Turner's words during the 1988 election campaign, and they echo today as we see political pressure being exerted by our neighbors to the south.

It will be difficult but not impossible to unravel enough of our economic integration with the U.S. to give ourselves the economic independence to support our political independence. Because now we know, if we didn't before, that the USA is an unreliable partner. Joy Cafazo in Kamlaki, Ontario. That's east of Sarnia. I'm a 73-year-old grandma in Ontario. And I have a small vegetable plot in my large garden. Joy, stop bragging about how young you are, okay? Due to an upcoming surgery, I was going to close it down this summer,

that vegetable plot. But what's going on south of the border makes it feel like war. During World War II, my mother, who was on the south coast of England, had a victory garden and also took in two children from London. I'm not expecting to have to take in two children from terrified Americans, Joseph Murdoch in Kingston, Ontario. Recent U.S.-Canada trade relations, politics, and dynamics will have me actively advocating for legislative changes in Canadian snowbird entitlements. Allowing snowbirds to freely leave Canada for up to 212 days a year to fuel local American economies does not sit well when snowbirds return back with needy checklists of medical tests and prescriptions and expect universal health care to foot the bill.

Let's prorate these benefits. Here's the math on that, by the way. Someone away for 212 or 365 days would be credited for 153 days in Canada, so roughly 40% of time. So I guess Joseph is saying you'd get only 40% healthcare coverage. Back to Joseph's words, this is what I will be doing differently, advocating and communicating with our political leaders on this loophole entitlement. You can't have your Florida orange juice and drink it too. We should also note that Joseph's example of 212 days applies to only some provinces, including

Ontario, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Manitoba. Some provinces allow only 182 days out of the province, six months. Yukon and Nunavut allow you to be away for a full year. Didn't know that. Eric Anderson in Winnipeg. The unjustified tariffs have cemented my belief that America is no longer a reliable partner on an international scale. The moment the tariffs

on Canada were announced, I cancelled all of my subscriptions from American based companies until the threat of tariffs ceased to exist. I'll be booing the national anthem at the next Jets home game. The Jets never lose.

So why are they complaining? Well, Frank Pidisi in Toronto. I've always felt that the U.S., not China and not Russia, has been Canada's biggest existential threat. So for me, nothing has changed. What I will do differently is to support our only politicians who are able to present and implement an economic strategy to protect our sovereignty. Joanne Stevens in Vancouver. When Canadians write to you to share their outrage and personal

measures that they are taking, I wonder how many will tell you that they have actually cancelled their Amazon Prime. This highlights how closely our economy is tied to the U.S. and the troublesome part of boycotting U.S. companies. Amazon says it employs more than 41,000 people in Canada. Well, they just whacked a bunch in Quebec. So cutting off Amazon presumably hurts them. Dean Gosselin in Quebec City. Despite this 30-day grace period, I wish to see Canada take advantage of this opportunity and open up to other markets globally and inside our own walls. We should be exploiting our natural resources even more in a healthy, safe way

and think of refining our own oil while we are at it. Actually, Canada does refine some oil, about 2 million barrels a day, but that's only about a quarter of what it produces. Building new refineries is very expensive, especially refineries that could handle oil sands oil, and that can happen overnight. Kate Winslow. Not that Kate Winslow, unless she's moved to Thunder Bay, Ontario, Kate.

I would say my feelings haven't changed towards the U.S., but they've darkened. I will vote for the political party that will focus on fair trade agreements with countries that respect Canadians' sovereignty. Paul Peters Derry in Winnipeg. I've decided to make contact with one U.S. friend or colleague each day. Having done my doctoral studies in Chicago, I have a number of these. I'm going to send a Facebook message, an email, or a text,

reaching out with one-on-one diplomacy. I'm troubled by the recent instances of booing the Star-Spangled Banner. Let me read that again. We need to remember who we are, a decent people, however apologetic, and live that. John Mullen in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. My wife and I took three hours on Saturday night canceling a planned trip to Florida in late February to visit family,

and we won't be spending our tourist dollars in the U.S. as long as the disrespect to Canada and the language and actions about the 51st state continues. We are sad to miss family time in a warm, sunny place, but we would be betraying our country if we go there while America's president smugly takes pleasure in holding Canadian businesses and their employees hostage. William, who did give us his last name, but for professional reasons asked that we not use it because of his job. William's in Toronto. I've never felt more anxious for my country, more betrayed by our neighbor, or more determined to protect what is ours. I fear irreparable harm is being done. I have decided to write to my MP and other political leaders, urging Canada to diversify its trade relationships,

strengthen its ties with the EU, the Commonwealth, and other G7 nations, and take decisive steps to reduce our economic independence, or our economic dependence on the U.S. Joe Cavallo in Toronto. I feel this is the beginning of the end of the American experiment. The tariffs are but one symptom of a country that is allowing itself to be run by an oligarch, an emperor, ruling by decree, executive orders. No opposition, no checks and balances, no branches of government or judiciary that can or will course correct. The uncontrolled nuclear reaction has started.

It cannot be stopped. Essentially, my do is allow myself to come to grips with the fact that they are bigger, stronger, don't care, and can navigate a tariff fight. Therefore, we must deftly negotiate something just short of an economic union while we attempt to diversify. Hopefully, we are the tortoise to their hair. Pat Provo in Saint-Bazile-le-Grand, Quebec. It's in the Richelieu Valley, southwestern Quebec. We have cancelled Twitter as it has become a cesspool of negative and biased views. If our trade agreements could require approval in Congress,

our economy would not be subject to executive orders by a president who wants to be king. Bad news, Pat. Congress must approve all treaties in the United States, and it overwhelmingly approved USMCA. Trump is breaking all the rules by invoking national security grounds as his reason for tariffs. And that is allowed under the rules. Matt Cavanaugh in Kelowna, B.C. What's the value of a trade deal when the other country's compliance depends on which political party is in power? Trump isn't the issue. It's the Republican Party as a whole.

Canada must develop our internal market and take our place as a global trading economy, not a junior partner in a volatile and abusive relationship. I will no longer visit the United States. This comes at a personal cost as I teach American literature and will have to forego professional opportunities I'd otherwise pursue. Jane Rusnak in St. Catharines, Ontario. When Trump was elected before the tariff issue, we had already decided that we would try to avoid traveling to the U.S. during his presidency. This is disappointing, since we have a timeshare with

Disney and had previously enjoyed trips to the parks in Orlando. Initially, I thought it might be okay to travel to Democratic states only, if necessary, but I fear that it is less and less safe to do so. There is a lawlessness that has taken over in the U.S., and I fear it will only get worse. Okay, a quick last one before we take our first break. There's lots more letters. I'm going as fast as I can here. Kathy Harness in Carmen, Manitoba.

That's about 40 minutes southwest of Winnipeg. Was there for Hockey Day? Was it Carmen? I think so. And Hockey Day in Canada. Man, it was cold. I usually don't get too involved in political issues. However, the one thing I'm going to do is become more actively involved in political issues

in my local area, as well as federally by joining the political party of my choice that has stated there is not a snowball's chance in hell that Canada will become part of the USA. Okay, let's take a quick break. Our only break during the show, and then we'll come back with the Random Ranter, and then more of your letters. But first, this break. And welcome back.

You're listening to The Bridge, the Thursday episode. That means it's your turn. And we're hearing about just how angry you are with the threatened U.S. tariffs and the various actions of the United States, and especially their president, has been taking against Canada and saying about Canada. Your feelings. Okay, we'll get back to your letters. And as I said, there'll be many of them and so many from new writers this week. It's great. It's great to have you with us. But it's that time of the Thursday episode where we hear from our friend, the Random Rancher, so let's get at it.

When it comes to absolute stupidity, I've always felt that Trump could never outdo his injecting bleach comments. But turning Gaza into the Riviera of the Middle East, that's a new low for IQs everywhere. Now you would think something as absurd as that idea would defy words, but sadly it has not. In fact, quite the opposite. There's been no shortage of GOP bootlickers lining up to commend Trump for having such a very stable genius idea. It's chilling, but it's a perfect representation of just how dysfunctional the United States is right now. I mean, if Biden had suggested such lunacy, they'd have been trotting out the 25th amendment and hiding the nuclear codes. But Trump says it, and all of a

sudden it becomes something to be admired. Like it's the art part of the art of his deal. It's just such BS. And that's saying a lot. Because in just under a month of Trump 2.0, I feel like the bar for BS has gotten a lot higher. Or is it lower? I don't even know right now. But that's kind of the point, right?

BS baffles brains. And Trump's BS has the whole world wide-eyed and blinking slow. Now, as idiotic as Trump's ideas are, they make a few things very clear. First off, he's looking to satisfy some old-school imperial cravings. And I'm not talking about the cookies. He wants to expand America's footprint by making us the 51st state, taking over Greenland, Panama, and now even Gaza of all places. Someone should introduce him to the idea of creating islands like the Chinese do. Those islands don't get made overnight. And more importantly, they don't displace millions of people. Maybe something like that could occupy him and slow the flow of chaos. But you know, who am I kidding? There will be no slow rolling the chaos with Trump around. His power is unchecked

and his capacity for it is unlimited. His party is in lockstep with his madness. He's systematically dismantling opposition within the civil service, including the DOJ, the FBI, and the CIA. And he's methodically eliminating access to any and every inconvenient fact that doesn't fit his narrative by eliminating the education department, withdrawing from the World Health Organization, and threatening media broadcast licenses, among many, many, many, many other things. There's just so much getting lost in the chaos that by the time Americans realize exactly what's going on, it might just be too late. There's no sugarcoating it. The United States, our biggest trading partner, is an absolute tire fire, and it's not going to get better anytime soon. Tariffs may be off for

now, but the market mayhem, the threats, and the intimidation will continue. We can't afford to relax. We need to remain united, and we need to commit to changing our ways, diversifying our markets, eliminating provincial trade barriers, and strengthening our foreign relations. I know no one likes change, but the status quo will not do anymore. Chaos is the new normal, and the rules we've been living by for the last 50 plus years are done. The reality of the situation is that tariffs are just one of the threats we're facing.

I mean, what happens if and when Trump follows through on one of his proposed land grabs? How do we react if they invade Greenland or seize the Panama Canal? Should it just be business as usual? If Trump wants Gaza of all places, then who's to say what else he'll want or what else he's willing to do? We need to remember that this has never been about fentanyl and the border. Our leaders might be saying that right now,

but we all know that's just a gigantic lie they say because Trump needs to bask in some kind of pathetic, hollowed out win. This is about so much more than trade. It's about our sovereignty, our resources, and our values. The threat has not passed. So anyone who's feeling relieved by Trump's 30-day tariff reprieve, should buckle up. This is just the beginning. Well, well, well. Guess we know where the random ranter is on that one. Which is not that much far off

from what a lot of you are saying this week. So let's get right back to your letters that have come from all across the country, all across the continent, and literally around the world. Koenigswinter, Germany, that's south of Bonn. Chuck Penfold writes, this hasn't changed how I think about the USA. This notion that the Americans are Canada's friends has always been a myth. There are no friends between nations, just national interests. If the interests of two nations are complementary, they may be friendly,

but this is not friendship. International relations just don't work like that. Canada should have done much more to increase trade with reliable partners a very long time ago. Philomena Koulis in Guelph, Ontario. I no longer see the United States as friends and neighbors. I think the USA has gone down a dark path and there is no turning back. I don't want relations with a country that is full of hate and division. My feelings towards America have soured forever.

I'm going to Florida in April to sell my paid-off condo. I will take that money and invest in Canada, the country that I love. Philomena may have the best of intentions, but this is not a great time to be selling a condo in Florida. Condo and townhome sales in that state are down 10.5% in the last year. Florida Realtors, the trade group representing agents across the state,

reports just over 94,000 sales in 2024. That's down from more than 105,000 sales in 2023. Don't talk about insurance, whatever you do. Where are we here? This one comes from Wasega Beach in Ontario, and it's from Audrey Powell, I think. Audrey writes, why is the whole Trump tariff issue about Canada keeping fentanyl out of the U.S. at our border crossings?

Why is there no talk about keeping U.S. guns from entering Canada? Apparently Mexico has the same problem with U.S. guns. What's the difference between fentanyl and guns, other than it's a non-issue for the U.S. because they're legal and manufactured there. Just how many illegal guns come from the U.S. into Canada is difficult to determine as there are no nationwide stats or a national database that tracks source of weapons. The Toronto Police Service, which has compiled some stats about the origins of crime guns, says that in 2024, police seized 717 crime guns, most of them from the United States.

Lise Morton in Southampton, Ontario. On the shores of Lake Huron on the Bruce Peninsula. The terrorists have shaken my trust in the U.S. to the core. It has been a wake-up call that not only Trump, but many, many Americans don't in fact value us as their neighbors. The thing that I have already started doing is writing to elected officials in all parties, pushing them to make it clear how they're going to protect our water, our resources, and ultimately our sovereignty.

Jim Vestayan in St. Louis, Missouri. I have a great affinity for all things Canadian. I worked at Ryerson in Toronto, now the Toronto Metropolitan University. Married a Canadian, spent many lovely vacation weeks with our friends at my father-in-law's cottage on Lake Joseph. Great spot. Since I already have a flagpole affixed to my garage, I've just bought a Canadian flag to fly there. I'll proudly fly the Maple Leaf. Perhaps my neighbors will sense my current embarrassment with our latest actions. Either way, I don't really care. Carolyn Black in Waterloo, Ontario. My views of the U.S. change when Trump was re-elected.

I'm making a concerted effort to remind myself that a lot of people didn't vote for Trump and to not dislike all Americans. One of the changes I'm making, my husband and I enjoy cruises to faraway places. Our two favorite cruise lines are U.S.-owned. The lines that aren't U.S.-owned source a lot of the onboard food and goods are U.S. owned. The lines that aren't U.S. owned source a lot of the onboard food and goods from U.S. suppliers. We have decided that we will no longer be cruising on the high seas. Another letter on cruising from two people, Anita Desrosiers and

Cheryl Schindler, Scarborough and Pickering, Ontario. At present, we are traversing the Panama Canal on a cruise ship dominated by U.S. passengers. The vast majority of these Americans seem oblivious to the tariff drama and are surprised by how assaulted we Canadians feel by our supposed friends from the South. This lack of awareness has led to an even greater sense of a disconnect with Americans and a decision to be much more vocal than we would normally be on such a cruise.

At every opportunity, we try to explain to our American neighbors how we feel, what Canada is planning in retaliation, and what it will mean for them. If only a few get the message, we will feel we have helped the Canadian response. Bill Hurta in Thornhill, Ontario. U.S. Americans will see the following message. This site is no longer available to viewers from Belarus, Iran, the Russian Federation, the United States of America. That's what he's putting up on his website. Eric Berube in Sudbury.

I walked out of Walmart last night with a 24-pack of mini cupcakes for the kids in my wife's class. I caught myself checking the package for where they came from. First time in my 31 years alive. So I guess things have indeed changed. Janet Molnar in Victoria, BC. I have awoken to the fact that the United States is not Canada's friend. Kim Green in Winnipeg. I stopped cross-border shopping when Trump was elected the first time. I've not changed how I think about the U.S. in nine years.

Going forward, I'll vote for any government that considers two things. One, Donald Trump Jr. is waiting in the wings with political aspirations to continue the Trump dynasty. God forbid. And two, Canada is rich in natural resources the world needs, and Trump and the Republicans have us in their sights. This is just the beginning of a turbulent time. Matthew Nesbitt in Langley, B.C.

The tariffs have not changed how I think about the U.S. History shows that the national interest in absorbing Canada has always persisted. Phases of friendship will continue to be interrupted by U.S. aggression. I'm going to steel myself against hard economic times. Our leaders have put us in a difficult position in which we rely on undiversified trade. So what choice do we have except to emulate the British resilience to the Luftwaffe in World War II? Our ancestors survived worse to develop Canadian identity and sovereignty. Ben Sumac in Regina. The only thing that has changed for me is my respect for a portion of

American voters. I honestly believe they were harder to deceive than they proved in the last election. It seems to me that their lack of world knowledge and history has come back to bite them in the butt. More important than me changing anything, I hope our political parties change the way they approach governing in Canada and spend more time working to unite our great country than name-calling. Time for leaders, not jingle-makers. Michelle Kaufman in Toronto. It's pretty obvious that Vladimir Putin, or that Vladimir Trump wants to ruin us economically so that we buckle and have no choice but to become the 51st state.

He represents the ugly American. It confirms my negative opinion of the U.S. I don't plan to put my big toe on the south side of the border for years to come. John Fallon in Edmonton. The actions taken, especially the 51st state jab, have ignited a rage within me to protect, defend, and stand up for Canada, and it has made me look to engage on various social media portals. I've written to all the U.S. companies operating in Canada that I have supported with my dollars.

This is part of what John wrote to those companies. I urge your company to take a stand against these harmful tariffs. Use your influence to push for fair and reciprocal trade policies. If these tariffs persist, I and many other Canadians will have no choice but to reconsider where we spend our money. Garth Wilson in Bowmanville, Ontario. Galvanized is the word. This Trump administration seems to represent the worst characteristics of the American public. Our little dysfunctional family here in Canada only needs one

thing to stop us fighting with each other. A schoolyard bully that isn't part of the family. It isn't the size of the dog in the fight that counts. It's the size of the fight in the dog. Some of us might even get mad as hell and go out and print our own t-shirts. That's what Garth did, by the way. Attach a picture of the t-shirt. It's a map of Canada and the words, America, we did say no in 1775 and 1812, and we meant it. Corey McQueen in Burlington, Ontario The situation is maddening but not surprising American exceptionalism and the belief that some Americans have that they can do whatever they please

and bully other sovereign nations into bending the knee to them without consequence That is not new Gary Westall in Picton, Ontario need to them without consequence. That is not new. Gary Westall in Picton, Ontario. Canada does need to make changes to our ways to demonstrate we are in fact a strong, independent, reliable, friendly neighbor. I'll continue to promote our Canadian ways, culture, customs, and products'll continue to promote our Canadian ways, culture, customs,

and products while talking to my American friends to try to better understand their motives and hopes for the future. I'm hoping they are more moderate and sensible than what we are now seeing. Jane Keast in Canmore, Alberta. The tariff threat has made my distrust of the U.S. stronger. I chose to not step into the USA, not even a connecting flight, as of Trump's first election. I returned briefly twice in the past two years while Biden was president. I have no faith in Trump.

The intentional reduction in public education, the lack of gun control, the erosion of reliable professional journalism, health care, and human rights have contributed to an unsafe, unstable atmosphere. President Musk and fellow oligarchs have fooled Trump into believing he's in charge. Christine Ramos in Toronto. The thought of being American makes me want to join the Army to take up arms if I have to. I've reached out to my local grocery store managers to request that they identify Canadian products on the shelves to make our shopping experience a little easier.

I was told that any kind of program will take weeks to implement, as this will have to be decided corporately. So until then, I'll have to allocate two hours instead of one for grocery shopping to check labels. Christine sent a link to a website, by the way, that helps you find products made in Canada. It's called madeinca.ca. Madeinca.ca. Terrell and Ryan in Kitimat, B.C.

That's in the north coastal region of B.C. where two pipelines end. My opinion of the United States has changed since the terror threats because of my disappointment in American voters. Risking social and economic stability by voting in a libertarian wing satisfies childish amusements but threatens the foundations of established norms. Those norms intertwine all democracies. Shame on them. Richard Wright, he's a Canadian living in Hong Kong.

My position on the U.S. has shifted negatively to one of being acutely aware that our laissez-faire attitude on defense spending has put us in real danger regarding the 51st state threat. I don't fear imminent invasion, but I sit up in my chair when Trump speaks of manifest destiny. The 51st state joke is no joke. He wants Canada's riches, and the comments are unwelcome. Matthew Skilarczyk in Vernon, B.C. I won't let one man change my feeling about an entire country. Emotions are raw right now, but a rise in Canadian national pride, diversifying our export portfolio interprovincially and internationally,

potentially fast-tracking major projects and securing our own border are all a silver lining that could be of great benefit to Canada out of this mess. Cleve Myers in Fairview, PEI. That's about a half hour south of Charlottetown. South of Charlottetown? Wouldn't that be awfully wet? I don't know. I'll have to look at my compass again. We've always known Americans were somewhat arrogant

and uninformed beyond their own borders, but we overlooked this because they were basically benevolent and decent people. But the tariff issue has come with a direct threat to our sovereignty, and they have not batted an eye, meaning it is acceptable to them. And that's the last straw. Donna Ward in Ayr, Ontario, a few kilometers from Brantford, Wayne Gretzky's hometown, which is relevant because Donna writes this.

I've made the decision to stop supporting Wayne Gretzky's alcohol line and his winery. It's not about the products themselves, but about the values they represent. I expected more from someone who is, in many ways, a symbol of Canada's greatness. In the end, Gretzky's failure to defend or even acknowledge the country that made him a legend has left me disappointed, and my actions now reflect that sentiment. His continued ties with Donald Trump have changed the way I view him, and not for the better. Melanie Ducharme in Verner, Ontario. That's east of Sudbury. My opinion of America has not changed. I've always believed that Canada's relationship with the U.S. was lopsided

and that the U.S. has little knowledge or regard for Canada or Canadians, except for what discounted resources it can extract from us. Previous political regimes have done a better job of hiding their perceived superiority. However, the dumpster fire that is the current U.S. government has confirmed every suspicion I have ever had. Anastasia Sparling in El Cajon, Riba, Costa Rica. How could a bunch of crooks, thugs, bullies, and narcissists take control of a once world-respected country? Those Canadians who cry out that Canada is broken, move to America.

Live in a violently broken country for real. Mark Nicholson in St. John, New Brunswick. Trump's tariffs have not changed how I feel about the U.S. Trump's winning the 2024 election did that. My wife and I made a decision last summer that if he was to win, we would not visit the States while he's president, or maybe ever again. We're heading to Quebec for a few days for a family vacation, and on the kids' March break, we'll be going to the UK. Laura Plant in Chilliwack, BC. I've always seen the Canada-U.S. relationship like a family. We don't have a choice to be related, but we make the best of it. But these tariffs have crossed the line for me. Fred Schillard in Fraser Valley, BC We really should thank Trump for finally giving us the steel-toed boot in the arse this country needed.

With the Russian invasion and the military flexing of China, the world is in a darker place. Strongman diplomacy is back, and Canada has to address its shameful neglect of security issues. The number one responsibility of a national government is security of the nation. Betsy Dobb in St. Agatha, Ontario. I was born in and grew up in the U.S., moving to Canada when I got married. In my years in the U.S., as well as a study year in Europe, I realized that most Americans are selfish, impressed with their own worth, and privileged. That Trump could be elected, and everyone can sit by and watch friends and allies be abused and think it's okay is horrid, but not surprising. When my children were born, my mother kept at me to have them registered as U.S. citizens. Initially, I was too busy to deal with it.

Then we realized that this was a decision we did not feel comfortable making for the kids. My mother was very disappointed in me, but I've gone down on my knees to thank my old self for not registering them way back then. And my kids are very grateful as well. Diana Leslie in Winnipeg. The U.S. has waged economic war in our country, mocked our sovereignty,

and threatened our continued existence as a free nation. My plan is to spend our hard-earned money to support Canadian businesses wherever I can and to make the issue to the ballot box when voting for the next prime minister. Take that issue to the ballot box. Tyrone Bilgin in Toronto. I'm so proud of Canadians sticking together in this.

When a new U.S. administration comes, I don't think Canadians will be quick to forgive and move on. Some will, but this will leave a deep scar in the Canada-U.S. relationship that could last for generations. Bailman's Belding in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Recent actions by the U.S. President have led me to reconsider the state of our leadership. It's evident that Canadian governments have fallen short for decades. In response, I'm committed to writing to my MP, MLA, and locally elected officials more frequently, voicing my concerns and advocating for change. It's time for our leaders to listen to their constituents. Frank Wang in Surrey, B.C.

I'd like to help spread the often underreported stories of American imperialism to friends, family, and on social media. The Western world needs to be more aware of Uncle Sam's true colors. Post-World War II, America has branded itself as the good guys, the beacon of freedom and democracy. In reality, American prosperity was built on the foundation of sowing division and chaos across the globe, from supporting brutal dictators to fighting bloody satellite wars. They don't see anyone as friends or allies, only as temporary partners of convenience. Allison Toms.

She lives in the Thunder Bay area, but currently she's wintering in Florida. I'm painfully aware that many Americans we chat with have no idea what's going on with the tariff situation. What I have already started doing is messaging all those American companies whose ads I see in my Facebook feed. I let them know that I'm giving my business

to Canadian enterprises and ask they write their congressperson and governor to let them know that they are losing potential customers due to their president's ridiculous actions. Also, we won't be wintering in the U.S. next year. Marilyn Wallace, Fanny Bay, British Columbia. This past week, my mind has been swirling in a vortex of anger. The problem is that I don't know where to channel that anger beyond Trump.

I've never felt this way about our southern neighbors before. I'm an ordinary Canadian, and my influence is small. But I can make every buying and traveling decision a tiny pro-Canadian, anti-American rebellion. Peggy Ann Pinot in Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia, suburb of Bedford. My husband and myself are seniors on meager pensions, so there's not a lot we can do. Being a history geek all my life

and a student of economics in university, I've been predicting something like this from the U.S. for some time. Always beware of the giant sitting next to you. He may want to eat you one day. Bob Uden in Rothesay, New Brunswick, just outside St. John. I spent half my year in the floor in Florida, and I'm still amazed how little people in the U.S. know about Canada. Our U.S. friends in the know are embarrassed by the treatment of Canada. Canadians can do symbolic things, such as not shopping at Walmart or Costco, rather than booing the U.S. national anthem.

Imagine all the Walmart parking lots in Canada empty on a Saturday. Let's continue being a respectful nation. It looks really good on us. Rob Preston in Port Moody, B.C. I always hoped someone in the Republican Party would have given better counsel against Trump and his actions. Now I know I was wrong. The only thing I can do is pray for wisdom and patience for our Canadian leaders at all levels. Ross Hales in Comox Valley, B.C, although currently he's in Barbados. I'm going to remind every American I know or meet that 71 million of their neighbors wanted this guy as their president.

He's not the problem. They are. John Koning in New Liskard, Ontario. I've been a private pilot for about 25 years, and during that time I've been attending the Sun and Fun Aviation Convention every spring in Lakeland, Florida. It's a fun-filled week-long event. Monday morning, I cancelled my accommodations there. I won't be attending. Michelle Gould in Barrie, Ontario. I feel personally attacked for some reason. I have family who live in Florida and support Trump. I feel motivated to support Canadian business and

reduce my reliance on cross-border trade. This shift feels like a small but significant step towards strengthening my community and the economy. You know, I just about got to all the letters, but there are a few I didn't get to. Maybe I'll find

a way to get them in next week. But I'll end with this one from Al Swicker. Al lives in Woodstock, Ontario. That's not far from here in Stratford. Canadians have two moods. I'm sorry and you'll be sorry. Love it, Al. Listen, thank you for all your letters.

They're amazing letters. And, you know, most people are angry. They are angry, and some are really angry. There's a few who see the potential for some silver lining in this, but it's a tough slog. Thanks for writing. Thanks for writing. Thanks for listening. I'm Peter Mansbridge.

We'll be back tomorrow with Good Talk. It'll be great with Chantelle Hebert and Rob Russo. That's tomorrow right here on The Bridge.