CHARBONNEAU – Cutting shopping and vacations in U.S. would counter tariffs
(Image: Unsplash)
THERE AREN’T MANY ways that individual Canadians can retaliate to Trump’s trade war with Canada. Spending on cross-border shopping and vacations is one.
Each year, a number equal to one half the population of Canada spend about $18 billion on cross-border shopping and vacations in America. (It’s not one half of Canada — the same people make more than one trip).
Most Canadians live close to the U.S. border; approximately 30 million of us live within 50 kilometers, or a 1-hour drive to cross the line.
For cross-border shopping alone, that’s a whopping $8 billion spent overnight and same-day trips as well as postal and courier imports. The remainder, $10 billion, is spent on vacation spots.
Despite Trump’s claim that Canada has “taken advantage of our country for many years,” the U.S. has a trade surplus in some areas.
Along with travel, America has a trade surplus in internet services and advertising, such as on Google and Facebook.
Hurting Trump’s America may mean hurting friends and merchants on the other side of the border.
Washingtonians and British Columbians are like-minded.
It’s a difficult choice for British Columbians to stop shopping in Washington state since that state generally votes for Democrats. In 2024, Washingtonians voted for a Democratic president, governor and congresswoman.
Along with B.C., Washington and other states identify as being part of Cascadia, a part of the Pacific Northwest region that includes a geographical area, a cultural identity, and similar political views.
Although they are opposite to B.C. in terms of politics, Albertans also indentify with the state south of them.
Of all Canadian provinces, the greatest support for becoming a 51st state is in Alberta.
A December 2024 survey by Research Co. found that 30 per cent of Albertans believed their province would be better off as part of the U.S. Only 13 per cent of the rest of Canadians are in favour of becoming a 51st state.
Alberta’s neighbour, Montana, voted for a Republican president, governor, senator and member of the House of Representatives.
But putting cross-border shopping aside for a moment, vacation destinations are another matter.
Trips to Disneyland in California present a similar dilemma for British Columbians. Californians supported Democrats in 2024.
If we want to hurt Trump’s Republicans, withholding trips to Disney World in Florida would be more effective since that state voted Republican in 2024.
A trip to Disney World is expensive. The cost for a family of four for a week is $10,000 Canadian. That includes accommodations, park tickets, dining, and transportation.
Canada and America have long shared a border. For Trump to characterize our relationship as adversarial is an insult to us both.
But when it comes to a trade war, we have to look after our best interests. Withholding trips to the U.S. makes a statement in this war.
David Charbonneau is a retired TRU electronics instructor who hosts a blog at http://www.eyeviewkamloops.wordpress.com.
ArmchairMayor.ca 
Nations don’t have friends they have interests.
Charbonneau writes : we have to look after our best interests and what do you think they are doing? +
Albertans: have never been team players . For many BC or Canadian regulations don’t apply
Charbonneau writes: For Trump to characterize our relationship as adversarial. In some cases yes historically borders, fisheries, sea bed, claims to the Arctic, . most not all yet solved by talking. This on should be solved the same way.
For the year 2023, Canada recorded a trade surplus with the United States amounting to $41 billion USD when considering both goods and services. However, when looking at goods alone, Canada’s surplus was significantly higher, but if energy exports (primarily oil and gas) are excluded, the U.S. would actually have a trade surplus with Canada of around C$60 billion (US$45 billion).
When the news is not good. We disclose the minimum, burry the rest . and maintain the control of what we now call the narrative– Trump Trump Trump Its not that simple. Trade is a complex issue. Agreements, taxes, fees, ownership, subsidies, and many others come into play. No one hearts when you yell at each other.
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