Small Acts of Defiance in Canada as Trump’s Tariff War Escalates

By Evans Momodu
Published 15:37 UK GMT

Donald Trump has transformed once-strong trade alliances into economic battlegrounds, igniting a trade war with Canada and Mexico.

His latest round of tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel has provoked outrage across the country, sparking grassroots resistance and official government retaliation.

In Victoria, British Columbia, Miche Café & Bar owner Allan Sinclair has turned his bar into a symbol of defiance against the U.S. tariffs.

Standing behind his counter, he discreetly hides bottles of American liquor, including Jack Daniels, explaining:

"This is from Tennessee, and they supported Trump—so we can't have that."

Sinclair has also introduced a new signature coffee, the “Canadiano”, which he proudly describes as “stronger than an Americano”—a subtle yet pointed jab at the escalating trade tensions.

The Canadian resistance to Trump’s trade policies extends far beyond coffee shops.

In response to the new tariffs, British Columbia Premier David Eby took official action, banning the sale of American-manufactured liquor across his province.

BC Liquor Stores, located just steps from the premier’s office, replaced Kentucky bourbon with signs encouraging customers to “Buy Canadian Instead.”

At the same time, some supermarkets and retailers have started wrapping California and Oregon wines in plastic—a silent but powerful message to consumers.

‘I’m Trying to Buy Anything But American’

As the tariffs hit home, Canadian consumers are taking matters into their own hands.

On a ferry connecting Vancouver Island to the mainland, government worker Nancy voiced her frustration:

"Trump is just creating chaos where it doesn’t need to be. He’s a menace."

Her colleague, Laura, highlighted how the tariffs have strengthened national unity:

“People feel hurt and angry, but it’s bringing us together. We’re trying to buy more Canadian products and travel anywhere but the United States. I cancelled my Las Vegas trip, and now, when I grocery shop, I look for the Canadian maple leaf on products. I'm trying to buy anything but American."

Meanwhile, Richard, another ferry passenger, accused Trump of deliberately undermining the Canadian economy:

"I believe Trump has had an agenda from the beginning. His goal? To weaken Canada’s economy, making it easier for him and his allies to buy up whatever they want. If not to make us the 51st state, then at least to gain financial control over us."

Trump’s ‘Fictional’ Fentanyl Justification for Tariffs

The Trump administration has defended its tariffs on Canada, repeatedly claiming that Fentanyl—a devastating opioid crisis in North America—is being smuggled over the Canadian border.

However, critics dismiss this claim as a ruse, arguing that the real motive behind the trade war is economic domination, not drug control.

While the White House initially announced a 50% tariff on Canadian aluminum and steel, it later walked it back to 25%—a clear indication of the volatile, tit-for-tat nature of these economic disputes.

With Canada’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney preparing to face off against Trump, the nation is at a critical crossroads.

Will Canada escalate its own trade measures? Or will a diplomatic truce be reached before further damage is done?

For now, ordinary Canadians, small business owners, and local governments are pushing back in their own ways, proving that resistance doesn’t always come in loud protests—it can start with a simple coffee order.
Source: Sky news 
Image: Island FM