Tariffs as a test: Will We Stand Up or Step Back?

The 25% tariffs on Canada aren’t just a tax on goods. They’re a test. A test of our resolve. A test to see if we’re willing to stand up or if we’ll just sit back and take it.

Economic experts warn these tariffs will hurt. Unemployment could rise. Growth could stall. Young graduates might face fewer opportunities. It’s the same playbook Trump used on China during his first term — a blunt instrument meant to force compliance through brute strength.

But here’s the thing: Canada isn’t China. And this isn’t just about economics. It’s about identity.

For too long, Canada has leaned on the U.S. like a best friend who never says no. We treated American companies like our own, and they did the same. But that era is over. The tariffs are a wake-up call.

The question is: How will we respond?

Will we stay behind, hoping things will go back to normal?

Some say Canada is a tiny insect next to the U.S. gorilla—that we’ll get crushed if we try to stand up. They argue we should lower taxes, deregulate, reinforce borders and copy U.S. policies to stay competitive. But here’s the truth: Trump is a convicted felon who’s ripping up trade deals he himself negotiated. Relying on the U.S. isn’t a strategy—it’s surrender.

This is our chance to build something stronger. Not just infrastructure, factories, and tech hubs, but resilience. We need to diversify trade, invest in self-sufficiency, and support local businesses. Here’s how:

As a Country

• Diversify Partnerships The world is big and the US isn’t the only player. Europe. Asia. South America. BRICS. Sign new trade deals. Fast. Diversifying isn’t about rejecting the US - it’s about ensuring we can thrive independently and contribute to a balanced partnersip.
• Self-Sufficiency Build what we need. Farms. Tech hubs and factories. Data centers. If it can be made in Canada, let’s make it in Canada. Subsidize industries that matter. Create jobs that last. Globalization has had its benefits, but also created vulnerabilities. Building resilience doesn’t mean rejecting globalization — it means ensuring Canada isn’t overly dependent on any one partner.
• Boost Innovation For the past decade, there were no productivity gains. Like a champion who rested way too long in their laurels, now is the time to go up, faster and stronger. Let’s invest in R&D. Fund startups both in software and hardware. Let the world know Canada it’s not just maple syrup and hockey, it’s also about Lightspeed, Slack, Bombardier and maybe a new generation of electric vehicles and trains.
• Strengthen Infrastructure Roads, high-speed trains, airports, fiber optics, high speed networks, EV chargers. A country that moves efficiently is a country that thrives. Modernize everything. Take down bottlenecks. Make it easier to trade within Canada and beyond.

For those who think subsidizing industries and promoting local businesses distorts the market and that markets should decide instead, they don’t account for chaotic forces like Trump, and national interests like sovereignity and resilience. Strategic government support can correct failures and ensure long-term prosperity.

As a citizen

• Buy local Every dollar spent on Canadian goods is a dollar that strengthens the economy. Instead of Amazon Prime Video, choose Crave. Instead of Home Depot, shop at Canac. Start by supporting businesses in your neighborhood, then expand to your city, province, and country.
• Invest locally Put your money where your future is. Don’t buy Tesla or Amazon stock. Instead invest in local. Build wealth at home, not abroad.
• Support local efforts Work for Canadian companies. Patronize local businesses. The next Shopify, the next Bombardier, the next local success story could be yours
• Travel Local Forget Disneyland. Explore your own backyard. Quebec City. Gaspé. The Rockies. Vancouver. Spend your money where it matters — at home
• Grow your own Resiliency start small. Plant a garden. Learn what it takes to grow tomatoes, broccoli, or potatoes.. Learn to fix things. Reduce your reliance on imported “stuff”. It’s not just about saving money — it’s about building independence.

Yes, the U.S. is a gorilla, and Canada is smaller. But size isn’t everything. Switzerland, Singapore, and South Korea have thrived by playing to their strengths. Canada can too—if we’re willing to stand up.

The road ahead won’t be easy. It will require sacrifice. It will require leadership. But most of all, it will require a shift in mindset —- from peace to purpose, from comfort to grit.

The tariffs are a test. Let’s show them we’re ready.

Or, as Trump might say, “We’re going to take care of us”

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