Canada is fighting President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Florida’s highways.
Signs paid by the Canadian government have appeared throughout the Sunshine province, including those located near the 7-Eleven gas station in Winter Springs.
Canada’s message to US voters: “Taxes are taxes on hardworking Americans.”
John Babcock, a spokesman for Canada’s Global Affairs, said the campaign was launched to improve American public’s understanding of tariffs.
“They lead to an increase in the costs of everyday essentials, such as fuel and groceries,” he said.
That message resonated with James Curtis, who was filling the track on Friday as the digital billboard flashed Canadian anti-marriage slogans at the intersection of U.S. Highway 17-92 and Raven Avenue in Seminole County.
Curtis said his pool cleaning and repair business is facing rising prices for equipment, chemicals and other supplies. By summer, it may mean that his customers will see their bills rise about $10 a month.
He said he doesn’t understand how tariffs can reduce supply costs. Trade group Pool & Hot Tub Alliance warns that newly imposed tariffs on steel, aluminum and other goods will have a “major direct impact” on the industry.
“I’m not against the Canadians,” said Curtis, who owns Winter Springs-based Seeblu Pool Services. “Now, it’s a tariff war. We put tariffs. They put tariffs.”
The sign is not received warmly by all Floridians. Some social media users have pandered the campaign and denounced the ads as “propagandalist” signs.
“Why are foreign governments allowed to cause inconsistency in this country? Those signs quickly hit the trash bin,” wrote one Facebook user.
Trump has promised to guide Americans into the “golden age,” but he has not ruled out short-term financial discomfort. “Do you have any pain? Yes, maybe (and probably not!), but we will make America great again.
Babcock did not reveal the number of billboards or the cost of the advertising campaign. This is primarily aimed at Republicans and battlefield states. Billboards are located in dozens of states, including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Jolly said the campaign’s goal was to persuade Americans to contact representatives and senators and tell them they didn’t want tariffs. Other sign messages include “Customer duties are taxes on grocery bills” and “Customer duties are taxes on gas pumps.”
“We need to send a message to the American people to understand what is at stake in crisis.
