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Americans fear losing Canadian ties
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The gist
Americans near the Canadian border fear losing close ties as tariffs and disputes deepen divisions.
The trade war threatens personal bonds and local economies that depend on cross-border relations.
Background
The U.S. and Canada are embroiled in a trade war, with Canada imposing retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. This has led to reduced border crossings as Canadians spend at home, and heightened tensions over issues like President Trump's decision to rename Lake Ontario. Border communities that historically had symbiotic relationships with Canadians now worry the damage may be permanent.
How it unfolded
- recentlyCanada's retaliatory tariffs took effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on September 8, 2026, escalating the trade dispute.
- recentlyAmericans in border regions report increased costs, fewer Canadian visitors, and strained personal relationships with Canadian relatives and friends.
- recentlyOfficials and residents in upstate New York express fears that the heightened fight could spell the end of close Canadian ties, with some saying 'it'll never go back.'
Who’s saying what
- Residents
- Americans near the border say the trade war is deepening divisions and hope the split does not become permanent, but some feel it may never fully rebound.
- Officials
- Mayor Alex Morgia of Sackets Harbor, N.Y., says he had hoped Trump would be distracted and leave Canadians alone, but 'that ship has sailed.'
- Canadians
- Polls by Angus Reid suggest a majority of Canadians favor a tougher stance on tariffs, though workers fear for their jobs.
- Business leaders
- Business leaders warn of harmful effects of tariffs on both economies, with car industries particularly concerned.