A year has passed since former President Donald Trump intensified his rhetoric regarding Canadian sovereignty, urging the nation to consider becoming the 51st US state.The response from Canadians has been marked by a palpable shift in sentiment and behavior, characterized by a movement dubbed "elbows up," signifying resistance to American pressure and a commitment to local products .
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cnbc.comCanadians, once accustomed to frequent cross-border shopping and travel, have increasingly turned their backs on American goods and experiences.For many, including Ontario resident Lisa Mcbean, this shift was catalyzed by tariffs imposed by Trump that affected Canadian exports.Mcbean now prioritizes Canadian-made products, stating, "Why do we have to make you great again at our expense?" This sentiment echoes a broader national trend as Canadians express their frustration through boycotts and altered shopping habits .
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cnbc.comData reveals that Canadians are spending less on American imports, with many avoiding US-made alcohol and produce.A January poll by Leger found that over 60% of Canadians actively choose not to buy American products, a trend that is likely to persist in the near future .
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cnbc.comtheguardian.comThe economic implications of this shift are significant.A report from the Bank of Canada indicates that the percentage of imports from the US has dropped to record lows, highlighting a structural change in the Canadian economy.Economists warn that this could have lasting impacts on inflation and GDP composition in the country.Michael Devereux, an economics professor, noted that Canada has traditionally viewed the US as a reliable ally, but this perception has been severely undermined over the past year .
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cnbc.comTravel patterns have also been affected, as Canadians are opting for domestic vacations over trips to the US Statistics reveal that return trips by air from Canada to the US fell nearly 25% in mid-2025 compared to the previous year.Additionally, car crossings have dropped significantly, with a 27% decrease noted in January 2026 alone.This decline in travel has impacted US businesses that rely heavily on Canadian tourism, particularly in border states and popular vacation destinations like Arizona and Florida .
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cnbc.comtheguardian.comThe political landscape in Canada has also been shaped by these tensions.Prime Minister Mark Carney, elected partly due to a platform of resisting Trump's threats, has been vocal about Canada's commitment to sovereignty.During his campaign, Carney emphasized that Canada would not entertain the idea of becoming a US state, a concept repeatedly suggested by Trump.His administration is now focused on strengthening domestic policies while seeking to diversify trade relationships beyond its southern neighbor .
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cnbc.comtheguardian.comRecent surveys indicate a significant decline in positive views towards the US among Canadians.Only 34% of Canadians reported favorable opinions of the US as of early 2026, a sharp drop from 54% the previous year.Correspondingly, 64% now hold unfavorable views, a stark increase from just 15% a year prior.This shift illustrates the growing discontent among Canadians regarding US trade policies and Trump's confrontational stance .
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theguardian.comAs Canadians remain vigilant and committed to supporting local businesses, the future of US-Canada relations appears uncertain.The ongoing renegotiations of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and the outcome of upcoming US midterm elections will be closely monitored by Canadians, who are eager to see if the political climate can shift towards a more cooperative relationship.However, many Canadians, like Mcbean, worry that the damage inflicted by the past year's rhetoric may not be easily undone."It is no longer a boycott.It's a change.It's a divorce," she remarked, reflecting a sentiment that is gaining traction across the nation .
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cnbc.comIn summary, as Canada navigates its relationship with the US amidst ongoing tensions, the "elbows up" mentality signifies a new era of Canadian identity and economic independence.The resolve demonstrated by Canadians suggests that they are prepared to redefine their relationship with their southern neighbor in a way that prioritizes national interests and sovereignty over past allegiances.
