Have you heard? A select group of Canadians have called for a boycott of American products and companies that do business in Canada. They want it to start today. Are you going to actively participate or wait to see what happens to Canada’s economy?
First, we have to understand what a boycott is and how it helps to make political and policy change. A boycott is a non-violent protest where people refuse to buy, use, or participate in something to show their disapproval of a pending or current action. When many join in, it signals dissatisfaction with certain decisions, prompting reviews and possible reconsiderations.
Effective boycotts need to be timely to be effective, ideally before a decision is enacted. Canadians have been informed that the U.S. will impose a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods and a ten percent tariff on oil entering the United States. These tariffs will be collected by the American government and will likely result in higher prices for American consumers. This increase may deter our neighbours from purchasing Canadian products, driving them to competitors.
What does this mean for Canadians? Canadians export many products and services to people and companies in the United States. Some of those include the following:
- Agricultural products: Wheat, canola, soybeans, and other grains
- Consumer goods: Pharmaceuticals, food products, and beverages
- Energy products: Oil, natural gas, and electricity
- Forestry products: Lumber, paper, and wood pulp
- Machinery and equipment: Industrial machinery, computers, and telecommunications equipment
- Metals and minerals: Aluminum, copper, gold, and various ores
- Plastics and chemical products: Resins, plastics, and various chemicals
- Vehicles and automotive parts: Cars, trucks, and related components
The United States also has a strong trade relationship with Canada. They export a wide variety of goods to Canada. They include:
- Agricultural products: Corn, soybeans, fruits, and vegetables
- Consumer goods: Electronics, clothing, and household items
- Electrical machinery: Semiconductors, circuit boards, and electrical components
- Energy products: Crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas
- Machinery and equipment: Industrial machinery, computers, and telecommunications equipment
- Pharmaceuticals and medical devices: Medicines, medical instruments, and equipment
- Plastics and chemical products: Plastics, resins, and various chemicals
- Vehicles and automotive parts: Cars, trucks, and related components
This trade relationship benefits both countries economically and supports the people living on both sides of the border.
Yet, Canadians are calling for a boycott of American products and companies. There are several reasons. The U.S. government plans to impose tariffs has resulted in a growing sense of economic nationalism and has contributed to a shift in Canadian attitudes toward the government of its southern neighbour. Canadian officials have called for citizens to avoid U.S. products and “buy Canadian.” Canadians are responding and are choosing to avoid travelling to the U.S.
Canadian children can get involved in several creative and impactful ways to convey their message to the American government, too. Personal stories can be very powerful. They can write letters to American government officials, create drawings, paintings, or crafts that express their concerns about the economic impacts on their communities and families. They can research and share lists of products that originate in Canada. Then, they can give informed opinions about what they would like their families to purchase for meals based on their knowledge of where foods come from. They can research the sources of consumer goods before adding them to their birthday or special occasion wish lists. By getting involved in these ways, children can make their voices heard and contribute to meaningful change.
So, will you actively participate with your fellow Canadians? What will your contribution look like?