Tensions are rising between Canada and the United States of America, and with terms like “trade war” flying around, are British Columbians, Vancouverites, and other Canadian residents still welcome in popular shopping destinations like Bellingham?
That was the question one Canadian asked Bellingham residents on Reddit.
We recently published a few stories about how Donald Trump’s tariff could impact BC residents, with some saying they’d pause trips to places like Trader Joe’s. But do Bellingham residents even want us there? That’s what one Canadian sought to find out.
Tensions between Americans and Canadians, particularly across the BC and Washington border, can be complicated — even at the best times. Earlier this week, BC Premier David Eby told BC residents to vote with their wallets and support Canadian over American products. He even suggested that BC could pause the sale of American liquor.
“I hope when you’re at the grocery store, and you have a chance to buy a product right now, you’re looking carefully at the label to support Canadian jobs and support Canada in this critical time,” added the premier.
Redditor Miserable-Variety-66 asked the Bellingham subreddit, “Are Canadians welcome anymore?”
Bellingham residents were mostly sympathetic to the Canadians’ concerns. In response to the question, the top comment was, “Yes, but when you go home… take us with you?”
Comment
byu/Miserable-Variety-66 from discussion
inBellingham
“Despite all the parking jokes and the Costco nightmare jokes, I think most people down here are perfectly fine with Canadians.”
Some felt that national concerns shouldn’t impact local love.
“As a Bellinghamster who frequently comes across to enjoy Vancouver and your beautiful islands, I welcome you entirely. It’s hard to foster the spirit of neighbourly brotherhood on a national level, but we absolutely should do it at a local level.”
Another Redditor said, “As a Canadian across the border, I think we should stay being good neighbours regardless of what happens in the coming years.”
They added, “WA and BC are very close. I will definitely keep travelling across the border and welcome anyone to visit Canada as well.”
Another Bellinghamster said, “The Orange doesn’t speak for everyone.”
Others pointed out that the exchange rate wasn’t kind to Canadians and that more Washington folks are shopping, eating, and attending events in the Vancouver area. Some pointed out that Washington overwhelmingly voted for Kamala Harris in the US election.
While most responses were kind to Canadians, some were sure to remind Canadian drivers to obey the rules.
“Just drive like a decent human being, and you can visit all you want. Block me from passing? Yeah, stay the heck home.”
Someone else said, “Buddy I want you here. But I do want you to stick to the right lane if you’re gonna drive slow hahaha.”
Last week, the provincial government projected that if Trump follows through with his 25% tariffs on Canadian goods coming into the US, British Columbia could see a cumulative loss of $69 billion in economic activity over the four years between 2025 and 2028.
Furthermore, 124,000 jobs would be lost in BC over the coming years through 2028, with the largest declines expected in the natural-resource sector export industries and associated manufacturing, as well as in the transportation and retail sectors. In contrast, the total number of COVID-19-related job losses by June 2020 — three months into the pandemic — was 235,000.
Will you abide by the premier’s suggestions and pause your purchasing of American products? Will you still be travelling to the US? Let us know how this Trump tariff war is (or is not) impacting you in the comments.
With files from Simran Singh