Why Does No One Talk About Canada’s Trade Policies and Their Impact on the U.S.?

Lately, there’s been a lot of praise for Canada online—lower food prices, universal healthcare, and freedoms that Americans no longer have. While these things are often presented as ideal, there's a key issue that rarely gets mentioned: Canada’s trade policies and how they’ve affected U.S. businesses and economic relations. Even more frustrating is the excuse often used to justify this: "boycotting Trump".

The Trade War & Tariffs

In recent years, Canada has imposed tariffs on a variety of U.S. goods, including steel, aluminum, dairy, and agricultural products. These were initially retaliatory actions following U.S. policies under Trump.

Canada also continues to encourage "Buy Canadian" initiatives, reducing reliance on U.S. imports while benefiting from U.S. trade. The U.S. is Canada’s largest trading partner, with about 75% of Canadian exports going south of the border.

Both countries have engaged in trade wars, with the U.S. imposing tariffs on Canadian products like lumber and dairy, and Canada retaliating. But now it seems like Canada has been using the excuse of "boycotting Trump" to justify policies that hurt U.S. industries, even though the situation has evolved and is no longer just about one president.

The Economic Reality

While Canada boasts lower food prices in some areas, it’s not all roses. Housing costs in cities like Vancouver and Toronto are sky-high, and many Canadians are struggling to make ends meet.

Canada’s healthcare system, often hailed as a model, has its own problems, such as long wait times for treatments and specialists, which many fail to mention.

Both countries face inflation and economic difficulties, but Canada’s tax burden is significantly higher than the U.S., and their national debt continues to grow, adding pressure to their economy.

The Double Standard & Boycotting Claims

It’s easy to praise Canada’s "better system" and cheaper living, but Canada benefits significantly from U.S. trade, defense, and culture. Yet, Canada’s policies still restrict U.S. imports, causing problems for American businesses.

Using Trump as an excuse for ongoing trade restrictions doesn’t make sense when the trade war has evolved beyond that, and these policies continue under new leadership in both countries.

If the U.S. were to restrict Canadian imports the way Canada has been doing to American goods, you can bet the reaction would be very different.

Some Canadians have even actively boycotted American products, including liquor, appliances, and certain foods, citing their stance against U.S. policies under Trump. This hurts U.S. businesses, and yet the boycott continues under the guise of political disagreement, impacting the average American worker who has no say in the policies.

Why This Matters: Why UEM Should Call It Out

The United Evolution Movement (UEM) is focused on promoting economic justice, global unity, and transparency. The ongoing trade disputes, tariffs, and boycotts between the U.S. and Canada harm ordinary people on both sides of the border. These tensions have long-lasting effects on workers, businesses, and the economy as a whole, and the use of "boycotting Trump" as a political excuse only serves to undermine real, effective cooperation between the two nations.

UEM should bring this issue to the forefront for several reasons:

Advocating for Fair Trade: The movement can call for trade practices that prioritize people over profits, ensuring that fair economic policies serve both U.S. and Canadian citizens, not just political agendas.

Promoting Global Unity: UEM is committed to fostering international cooperation. The trade disputes between the U.S. and Canada are a barrier to unity, and it’s time for dialogue and reconciliation, not political point-scoring.

Holding Governments Accountable: By addressing the impact of these policies, UEM can demand accountability and transparency from both countries' governments, ensuring that policies reflect the needs of the people, not corporate interests or political posturing.

Solidarity with Affected Workers: UEM can show solidarity with those negatively impacted by these policies—workers, small businesses, and everyday citizens—on both sides of the border who are paying the price for ongoing political conflict.

Conclusion

While Canada is often portrayed as a “better” alternative to the U.S., it’s important to recognize the full picture of trade relations and economic realities. Canada’s policies actively harm U.S. businesses, and many Canadians online fail to acknowledge this while focusing only on the benefits they perceive. It’s time to call out these practices and demand a shift towards fairer, more transparent economic policies that prioritize the needs of people over political games and corporate interests.