Many Canadians contacted me after last week’s column. Many wanted to add two cents to the tariff and trade war debate. Some – very politely – called me Ninpon Pope.
My column focused on how a long-term trade war affects the number of Canadian tourists and snowbirds visiting Florida. Our state is dependent on tourism, and Canadians make up more than a quarter of all international visitors.
I discussed the low Canadian dollar and the economics of snowbirds and traditional tourists visiting the province. The column included statistics on what a 10% drop in Canadian visitors meant for the US.
Even if only 10% of Canadian visitors abandon Florida, we feel that, but given the massive size of the state’s economy, it becomes more of a nick than a fatal wound . If half of them are apart, that would be even more of a problem.
But half? That seemed unlikely. Trade wars or not, Canadians struggling with another brutal winter can’t resist our ideal weather or glorious beaches, right?
I thought it was until my email basket was lit up by Missive from the north.
Some asked the same thing: Did you know that Florida is not the only sunny place in the winter?
Some said they have already decided not to visit the US.
“My wife and I have stopped going to Florida for the winter for the 12th year in a row,” writes Ellis Webber of New Brunswick. “The Mediterranean countries want us, respect us, treat us with dignity.”
Dignity and respect were the main themes of email. Writers wanted President Donald Trump’s comments about Canada being weakly dependent on him, and his desire to turn their country into the 51st state. He pointed out that Canadians were shouldering shoulders with Americans during many wars. Canada is a trusted alliance and trading partner partner, and both countries maintain one of the longest and safest borders in world history.
“There’s only one reason Canadians have made it sour in Florida,” Weber said. “Donald Trump!”
Ed Dumas said Canadians don’t want a tariff war, especially with their longtime allies.
“But we cannot be allowed to threaten the rights of another country that threaten the sovereignty,” said Dumas, who lives in British Columbia. “This is the real source of Canada’s rage right now, and Canadians have long memories.”
Toronto resident Larry Milson said he won’t be returning to Florida this year.
“Americans may not understand the depth and strength of their anger here,” he wrote. “I love Dunedin, but I won’t be there this year and will never be again.”
Doug Pierce said he wouldn’t be back either.
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“You touched the surface of hostility looking at the buildings in Canada,” said a Vancouver resident. “While tariffs are one of the effective countervailing, the 51st State comment has crossed the line. It’s a shame for Canadians.”
In January, Trump threatened to slap 25% tariffs on many Canadian goods and 10% on energy goods. Canada guaranteed retaliation, and the side has since agreed to a 30-day reprieve. However, on Monday, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on foreign steel and aluminum imports, including Canada, the leading supplier of both metals.
A recent Canadian survey found that 42% of respondents say they “do it absolutely” whenever possible to avoid purchasing products made by US or American companies. Approximately 32% said they have cancelled or are seriously considering canceling streaming services owned by American companies. Important for Florida, which is a large tourist destination, more than a third said they have already cancelled their trip to the US.
Scott Harrison, an elected official at Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, said the store is labeling products with flags to encourage locals to buy Canadian brands. Ta.
Harrison said he told many locals he had changed his travel plans. He estimated a decline of at least 10% for Canadians on vacation in the US over the next year, even if Trump apologized and retreated the tariffs.
Backdowns and apologies are not Trump’s style, Harrison admitted, so he thought a 25% decline in Canadian tourists would be more realistic.
“Thank you for taking this issue seriously, but I don’t think you know how deeply the attack is in my country,” he writes. “Canadians are incredibly determined when there’s a fight.”
Certainly, emotions are moving high. And of course, the readers who are most likely to send emails may also be among the most passionate. It is also difficult to know how much rhetoric can turn into. Will both countries enact more tariffs? Anyone who says they’re separated from Florida and the US actually leave?
One thing that’s for sure is that our friendly Northern neighbors want us to know that they are watching every move.
