Canada’s “Elbows Up” Resistance to U.S. Tariffs and Sovereignty Claims

A growing wave of Canadian nationalism, dubbed “Elbows Up,” is reshaping the nation’s economic and social landscape in response to policies enacted by U.S. President Donald Trump. What began as a protest against tariffs and rhetoric questioning Canadian sovereignty has evolved into a widespread boycott of American goods and services, impacting trade, travel, and even political alignment.

From Protest to Economic Shift

The “Elbows Up” movement gained momentum in early 2025 following repeated calls from President Trump for Canada to develop into the 51st U.S. State, coupled with the imposition of tariffs on Canadian exports. A protest held at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto on March 22, 2025, symbolized this growing resistance. Canadians, long accustomed to cross-border shopping and consumption of American products, began to actively seek out Canadian alternatives.

Lisa Mcbean, an Ontario resident, exemplifies this shift. Prior to 2025, purchasing American-made goods and traveling to the U.S. Were commonplace for her. But, she now prioritizes Canadian-made products and has canceled planned trips to the U.S. For concerts. This change in consumer behavior is not isolated; polling data indicates a sustained and widespread commitment to supporting Canadian businesses.

Economic Impacts and Consumer Behavior

Data from Leger, a Montreal-based polling service, reveals that Canadians are “adamant” about avoiding U.S. Products. More than three out of five Canadians reported avoiding American-made alcohol or produce as of January 2026, and over half actively avoid U.S.-based retailers and websites. This trend is considered a “structural change” in the Canadian economy, according to research from the Bank of Canada.

The Bank of Canada has begun tracking consumer purchases of American goods and U.S. Travel spending. The shift in consumer spending is evident across various sectors. Alain Ejeil, owner of a Quebec tavern, removed American alcohol and food products from his menu in protest. Retailers are actively promoting Canadian brands, and liquor stores are highlighting Canadian alternatives.

Impact on Trade and Travel

Canada, previously the second-largest U.S. Trade partner, is seeing its relationship with the U.S. “skating on thin ice.” Canadian return trips from the U.S. By air decreased by nearly 18% in the year through January 2026. Airlines have reduced seat capacity on routes to popular U.S. Destinations like Arizona and Florida by 11%. Crossings by Canadians entering the U.S. Fell by almost 27% year-over-year in January.

The tourism industry is also feeling the effects. Executives at Caesars and MGM acknowledged reduced Canadian visitors in 2025. Canadian bookings at U.S. Mountain destinations decreased by over 45% in January 2026, and Canadian participation in events like the Folk Alliance International conference and hockey tournaments in Vermont has declined significantly.

Political Repercussions and Future Outlook

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s electoral victory in the previous year was largely attributed to a referendum on Trump’s policies regarding Canadian sovereignty. Carney has actively pursued trade alliances with countries other than the U.S., recently concluding a preliminary trade agreement with China. He has also prioritized strengthening relationships with international leaders, notably excluding the U.S. From his recent global tour.

While the current sentiment is strongly anti-American, many Canadians recognize the importance of the economic relationship with the U.S. Canada remains the ninth-largest economy globally, and the U.S. Holds the top position. However, as one Ontario resident, Deborah Marling, stated, it “kind of feels like we’re on a ‘time out’ right now.”

Canadians are closely monitoring ongoing negotiations for the Canada, United States, Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and the outcome of the November U.S. Midterm elections, hoping for a potential shift in U.S. Policy. Despite the current tensions, many believe the long-standing neighborly relationship will endure, even if fundamentally altered.