Navigating the Canada-US Trade Storm: A Perspective from Frank McKenna

A New Era of Distrust

Former New Brunswick Premier and Canadian Ambassador to the United States, Frank McKenna, a veteran of free trade negotiations and international diplomacy, has witnessed firsthand the ebb and flow of the Canada-US relationship. Yet, even he admits to an unprecedented level of distrust towards the US government amongst Canadians.

“Canadians feel hurt, betrayed by a best friend,” McKenna laments, emphasizing that the issue lies not with the American people, but with the current administration. “The government of the United States right now is betraying a relationship that has been a model for the world for the last 100 years.”

The Looming Threat of Tariffs and Annexation

The 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, though currently paused, hang heavy in the air, along with the impending steel and aluminum tariffs. Adding fuel to the fire is President Trump's repeated calls for Canada to become the "51st state," even referring to Prime Minister Trudeau as "Governor Trudeau."

McKenna acknowledges the seriousness of these annexation comments, coming from the highest office, yet cautions against taking them literally. "I think it's not going to be a military threat that we need to fear," he clarifies, "I think he feels that he can roll over us economically, and that's not going to happen.” McKenna believes Trump underestimates the resilience and unity of Canadians, particularly during this period of political transition.

A United Front: Canada's Response

McKenna praised the recent delegation of Canadian premiers to Washington D.C. as a powerful display of solidarity. He highlighted the importance of a unified message and strategic communication, suggesting outreach through channels like Fox News and the Sinclair Broadcasting Network to reach the audiences that influence the President. "We need people deployed into the United States speaking to the communities that President Trump listens to," McKenna advises.

The Turning Tide: American Pushback

McKenna sees glimmers of hope in the growing dissent from within the US. He cites examples like Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, advocating for potash exemptions to protect family farmers, and Senator Susan Collins of Maine, highlighting the reliance of Maine residents on Canadian heating oil. “That’s just two out of dozens and even hundreds of legislators who will start weighing in when their constituents are affected,” McKenna points out. He predicts a turning point, fueled by American pushback against policies that harm their own interests.

Mobilizing the Nation: A Canadian Call to Arms

While acknowledging that Canada's plan of attack is still developing, McKenna stresses the need for national mobilization. He envisions a united front, encompassing business leaders, trade unions, and even Canadian celebrities like Justin Bieber, Avril Lavigne, Celine Dion, and Wayne Gretzky, rallying behind the cause.

“I think we have to get to the point where the entire nation is mobilized behind this effort,” he declares. McKenna believes that Canadians, united in their pride and determination, will ultimately outmatch the intensity of Americans who are unsure why they're even engaged in this trade conflict.