As trade tensions escalate between Canada and the United States, some Canadians are taking personal action. The Kawas family of New Westminster, B.C., told CBC News they plan to forgo U.S. products such as vinyl records from Target and winter cauliflower as part of a broader boycott to defend Canada's sovereignty.
The boycott movement, which gained traction on social media under the hashtag #BoycottUSA, encourages Canadians to buy local and avoid U.S. goods. This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian imports, prompting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to warn of retaliatory measures.
According to a recent Angus Reid Institute poll, 78% of Canadians said they would avoid buying U.S. products if tariffs were imposed. The poll also found that 70% of Canadians now view the U.S. less favorably than before.
Retailers and businesses are feeling the impact. Some Canadian grocery stores have reported increased sales of domestic produce, while U.S. chains like Target may see reduced foot traffic in Canada. However, economists caution that a full-scale boycott could have unintended consequences for both economies.