Over the past week, we’ve seen a surge of local consumer-oriented Canadian patriotism, thanks to the on-again-off-again-wait-again-now-on-for-real-this-time tariffs from our southern neighbour. While we wait to see the final impact on our region, the question is, what can the citizens of Prince George and Northern BC do about it?
Two weeks ago, U.S. President Donald Trump paused his universal 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian goods, including lumber products, entering the United States until March 4. This week he signed orders placing a 25 per cent tariff on all steel and aluminum entering the U.S. effective on the same March 4 and has re-iterated his intent to do the same with Canadian lumber which will very much impact Northern BC. Responses have come from the prime minister, our premier, our local council and the public.
While the prime minister plans counter-tariffs, our premier has announced a ban on liquor coming into BC from “red states." Our local council is discussing how to make procurement practices beneficial to the local economy. The feedback we are hearing from the public is their desire to fight back, calling for boycotts of U.S. retail goods such as groceries and clothing. Some have even cancelled U.S. vacation plans, re-directing them to Mexico or other hot weather destinations for the winter.
Trump again this week reiterated his comment that he wants to make sure Canada knows how much he wants us to be the 51st state, a goal he plans to pursue through economic means. We are about to face the reality of that. Trump’s newest tariff on aluminum will be felt in Kitimat, cascade out to Terrace, Smithers and, soon after, to Prince George.
Pushing back against America can be complicated and challenging at a time when so much of what we buy and consume originates from the United States. American businesses are part of our business and cultural landscape. We love Wal-Mart, Costco, McDonald’s, and Starbucks. Even Tim Hortons is technically an American company now. We watch Netflix, Disney+, and Prime. We’re hooked on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Yeah, cutting out American companies might hurt a bit, especially that last part. Social media has become ingrained in our lives, and it comes from American companies. We’re realistic, then. The same people who are skipping the Florida oranges at the grocery store and switching ketchup brands are going to still want to feed their love of feeds.
There is, though, an immediate step city council and local businesses can take if they’re serious about sticking with an all-Canadian approach. One that only affects Trump’s wealthiest supporters: Stop using Facebook, Instagram, X, and Google for advertising. Keep it Canadian and, more importantly, keep it local. In Prince George, that would mean advertising with local media, including Pattison Media, Vista Radio, and The Citizen.
For our residents who want to express their outrage and hit back at another of the president’s top boosters, reduce your purchases on Amazon by 25 per cent, to match the 25 per cent tariff he is implementing on our goods. Instead, spend the 25 per cent you were planning on spending on Amazon and shop at a local store. That way, even if it’s Costco, you’re at least supporting local employment.
If that happens, local dollars will go to local employers rather than to American techno-billionaire oligarchs. The messages can still get out and companies would have the added benefit of being able to say “We advertise locally.”
We all saw the world’s leading tech billionaires in their front-row seats at Trump’s inauguration. That was a pretty clear message about big tech’s place in the new America. Like the tariffs, how much we let that affect us in Canada, and in Prince George is up to us. The question becomes, will the public outcry and our council’s posturing be “…a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing," or will we take a stand with real, impactful steps?
Have your say with a letter to the editor at [email protected].
