By Bruce Anderson
July 21, 2026
We used to be the best of friends. We were great neighbours, with our economies closely connected and trading a lot of goods. Crossing the border felt more like visiting family than entering another country.
Canadians wanted, and expected, a solid relationship with the U. S.-friendly yet independent.
During Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Obama, and Biden’s terms, our bilateral relations stayed on a spectrum that was never colder than cordial and often quite warm.
We were never a hot topic in America’s conversations, and we were fine with that.
If we didn’t always see eye to eye with American actions, we didn’t dwell on what they might do next-and that was okay too.
All of that has changed now because there’s never been a president quite like Donald Trump.
Trump has relentlessly criticized Canada. His remarks come off as aggressive, childish, nonsensical, uninformed-and those are the kindest things one could say about them.
He may never realize it, but the harm he’s causing to his own country is significant and will linger for some time.
The U. S. isn’t the “hottest country” as Trump likes to claim. Now “America” is spoken with disdain in many parts of the world.
It might be some comfort that Canada isn’t alone in being targeted-there aren’t many countries left out of this treatment (Russia and North Korea come to mind). Trump’s list of ‘shithole’ countries now includes most of Western Europe. But since Trump is right next door to us, his insults hit differently.
In NFL football, there’s a 15-yard penalty for ‘taunting’. If there was a penalty in U. S. politics for taunting, Trump would be flagged every single day.
A recent jab from the U. S. president is regarding forest fires. Canadians understand that climate change increases both the risk and severity of wildfires while Trump believes climate change is just a hoax. He seems to love distractions from culture wars like someone addicted loves their fix.
A lot of folks want a sharp response from Canada’s Prime Minister. People want their feelings acknowledged by their leaders; they crave more openness from Carney about how things are going with the U. S., almost like wanting play-by-play commentary.
“When did you last talk? What exactly did you say to him and how did he come across? What are you willing to discuss in terms of our trade irritants and what are you ruling off-the-table? Why aren’t you demanding a meeting right now? What exactly happened with the Gordie Howe Bridge deal? Why won’t you tell Canadians all of the details of each interaction? Why aren’t your elbows up? Why aren’t you more conciliatory?”
All normal and healthy questions to ask. It would be concerning if this wasn’t part of our Canadian dialogue today.
This complexity makes leadership much tougher nowadays.
A lack of transparency can look awkward at times; however sometimes it might be one among several not-so-ideal options available.
If Canada lays out its position publicly, Trump will likely use it against us. That holds true for our negotiating strategy around CUSMA as well as discussions surrounding the original Gordie Howe deal and its side agreement.
Nobody can take anything for granted in Trump’s world; Canada must also adapt somewhat to those rules if needed.
In NFL football, there’s a 15-yard penalty for “taunting”. If there were such penalties in U. S. politics for taunting, Trump would earn them daily.
A part of being Canadian Prime Minister today involves carefully considering how to react to such taunts-keeping cards close while choosing when and how to engage wisely.
Hello World.</
Hello World.
A poll indicates around 70% support how our Prime Minister handles relations. They may not be thrilled but can’t envision an approach better than Carney’s current stance-they recognize where challenges lie-the unpredictability along with temperamental behaviors play out before everyone daily.
Canadians show willingness towards patience when seeking improved outcomes.
When it comes down guiding choices nationally-the political performance doesn’t count since it’s really about results instead Canadians prefer waiting until achieving appropriate trade agreements rather than rushing into solutions amidst friction.
Hopefully one day again America’s leader seeks neighborly ties once more-a time repairs become priorities where both nations meet sincerely start mending wounds together Canada’s political figures should remain optimistic these chances arise allowing representation towards favorable outcomes down life road ahead.
Policy Contributor Bruce Anderson serves as Founding Partner Chief Strategy Officer Spark Advocacy having spent over forty years working as pollster strategist communications advisor regularly appearing The Bridge podcasts actively supporting Mark Carney during Liberal leadership campaign federal election.
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Hello World.</
Hello World.
A poll indicates around 70% support how our Prime Minister handles relations. They may not be thrilled but can’t envision an approach better than Carney’s current stance-they recognize where challenges lie-the unpredictability along with temperamental behaviors play out before everyone daily.
Canadians show willingness towards patience when seeking improved outcomes.
When it comes down guiding choices nationally-the political performance doesn’t count since it’s really about results instead Canadians prefer waiting until achieving appropriate trade agreements rather than rushing into solutions amidst friction.
Hopefully one day again America’s leader seeks neighborly ties once more-a time repairs become priorities where both nations meet sincerely start mending wounds together Canada’s political figures should remain optimistic these chances arise allowing representation towards favorable outcomes down life road ahead.
Policy Contributor Bruce Anderson serves as Founding Partner Chief Strategy Officer Spark Advocacy having spent over forty years working as pollster strategist communications advisor regularly appearing The Bridge podcasts actively supporting Mark Carney during Liberal leadership campaign federal election.
Source link
