This article originally appeared in iPolitics. Below is an excerpt from the article.
By Robert Murray, March 31, 2025
When Donald Trump was re-elected president of the United States it was clear that change was coming to the Canada-U.S. relationship. Throughout his election campaign, Trump mused about trade imbalances, nations not pulling their weight in security alliances, and border security, all of which were either directly or indirectly aimed at Canada.
In the two months since Trump’s inauguration the relationship has been upended. This has included multiple pointed threats at Canadian sovereignty through the Trump Administration’s 51st state rhetoric, and the foundational institutions of Canada’s defence and economy have now come into question as Trump officials question the future of NORAD, NATO, and the CUSMA agreement.
Perhaps more shocking than the behaviour of the United States has been Canada’s reaction, or lack thereof.
For a couple weeks after the initial tariff threat Canadians came together. There were bold pronouncements by Canadian leaders about protecting Canada’s interests and economy. Slogans like “Elbows Up” began to appear across the country, and there was a sense that, even though the road would be difficult, Canada was prepared to do what it took to secure its future.
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Robert W. Murray is a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute.
The author of this piece has worked independently and is solely responsible for the views presented here. The opinions are not necessarily those of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, its directors or supporters. The Macdonald-Laurier Institute is non-partisan and neither endorses nor supports candidates or political parties. We encourage our senior fellows to comment on public policy issues, including during election campaigns, but the publication of such expert commentary should not be confused with the institute taking a position for or against any party or candidate.
