Like many Canadians, Tom Reid isn’t crossing the US-Canada border as often these days. But he needed a haircut.
The woman who cuts his hair lives in International Falls, Minnesota – her “sister is married to my wife’s cousin”, he explained – and so Reid, whose duty free shop in Fort Frances, Ontario, has to travel to her.
That’s how it goes for the residents of the two towns, divided by the Rainy River and an international border. They’re longtime friends and, in many cases, family. People cross the border frequently to shop, dine, go bowling, take their kids to sports and visit each other.
But Trump’s trade war against the US’s northern neighbor, and his derogatory comments about their country, has Canadians – known for their politeness – angry. Furious, actually. They’re shopping less at US businesses and encouraging consumers to “buy Canadian instead” in an unusual show of patriotism.
Reid is buying Canadian more and more, he said at the register in his shop with the Canadian flag on the wall behind him. “I don’t have that much choice, eh?” he said.
American business owners have seen declines in Canadian sales while grappling with uncertainty and costs related to tariffs on their products. With tourist season winding down and leaves changing into yellows and oranges, both towns feel quieter.
Canada’s retaliatory tariffs went into effect this week; however no one living in these towns had noticed that reflected directly in prices yet. It marked another heated clash between the two countries over nearly two years.
The mayors of both towns regard each other as friends and signed a joint declaration back in 2025 affirming that friendship after Trump regained office. The flags of both towns along with state and country flags fly outside town offices in Fort Frances. Yet there’s only so much – really nothing – that local officials can do about economic effects from careless tariffs imposed by one man over a thousand miles away in Washington.
While shopping destinations exist within respective communities initially based around paper mills now lingers stark difference between circumstances surrounding closures impacting Fort Frances mill compared still operational version found within International falls thereby making former larger serving regional hub especially important its hospital soon gaining MRI machine beneficial aging population residing therein while shops catering tourists alike offer gifts featuring elements representing origin places reflecting culture involved prominently regionally recognized walleye fishing trips attracting visitors flying into destination primarily via canadian access routes nearby Both stores showcase kids books titled “Little Minnesota” beside counterparts named “Little Canada.” Furthermore souvenir cups proudly designed showcasing themes associated specifically identifying either town portrayed collected internationally through various means. Across downtown district including whole entire space fills visibility largely dominated displays presenting canadian flags adorning windows signifying welcome gestures extended graciously towards travelers entering vicinity rather than asserting hyper-nationalistic sentiments claimed Hallikas insists friendships flourish deeply rooted shared histories continually emphasized strengthened times adversity experienced regardless present political climate existing amongst nations involved. Dill previously owned business lived spent significant portions life situated neighboring territory friends formed bonds lasting strong underpin every season exploring together outdoors enjoying all without interference politics or tensions arising amidst market exchanges processes connected naturally fostering goodwill relations observed personally whenever interacting frequently lately impacted adversely current affairs thus causing strain upon collective fabric maintaining unity needed succeed moving forward together despite uncertainties hanging above future outcomes looming large remain hopeful strive keeping connections alive hold tightly cherished memories tied clearly locations visited past adventures seeking solace building bridges across divides meant share experiences enjoyed last forever connecting humanity itself within tapestry life journey unfolding beautifully revealed gradually intertwined through time sharing experiences eagerly dreamed upheld fondly remembered heartwarming tales emerged etched deeply minds hearts shared eternally intertwined forming strong friendships forged through struggles uplifting spirits transcending borders stretching far beyond simple geographical divides reminding everyone resilient ties exist weaving narrative deeper understanding respect compassion endless possibilities limitless dreams awaiting discovery unraveling continuously illuminating paths ahead filled warmth laughter joy celebrating differences discovering beauty inherent diversity every human experience contributing richness world woven delicate threads infinite tapestry colored hues vibrant emotions waiting inspire wonder awe embody nature love kindness bridging distances uniting souls forging connections profound reminding us reflect values guide illuminate journey ahead always seeking harmony embracing uniqueness ultimately celebrating commonality binding together.
//wrap completion text here (ie conclusion/etc). }; //end note } } } }
Source link
Hoping for the best
Most Canadians get this according to Andrew Hallikas, mayor of Fort Frances. They like Americans; Fort Frances residents relate closely with Minnesotans: they share similar interests like outdoor activities and community spirit he mentioned. But they’re “irate” at Trump – for bullying their nation; for going against an ally – and suggesting Canada should become America’s 51st state. “You cannot imagine how angry that makes us,” Hallikas said. “Please quote me on this. I cannot make this clear enough: we will never become the 51st state. We consider ourselves probably to be the best country in which to live and we’re quite happy staying that way; thank you very much.” For two towns relying on each other tension from trade disputes simmers just beneath surface level. Everyone wants it resolved but doesn’t know how or when it’ll happen. Photograph: Education Images/Universal Images Group/Getty Images While speaking with the mayor of International Falls at a coffee shop along main street a resident from Fort Frances interrupted angrily telling him Canadians are “so pissed off” at Trump due to his attacks on their country stating International Falls needs Canadian support to thrive since they are suffering losses from long-time customers across borders because of it. “I’m originally from the Falls but I’m an American living in Canada,” said the man. “I’m scared to put that American flag on my shirt given what he’s done.” Residents along with town leaders worry about how relationships can be repaired between both countries if things persist like this any longer leading businesses towards alternative suppliers while shoppers may start looking for homegrown options instead creating hardened feelings of nationalism. “We just hope for the best at this point,” remarked Drake Dill mayor of International Falls. Grant Hauschild a Democratic Minnesota state senator representing 65% of Minnesota’s border area noted hearing reports from businesses losing up to 30% revenue because Canadians aren’t coming as frequently anymore due mainly also rising inflation costs hitting people hard saying such loss goes quickly from being merely concerning toward devastating impacts overall on communities’ economies “My hope is obviously seeing relationships normalize once these chaotic times end,” Hauschild commented further adding “What scares me most…is even if folks wish returning back towards normalcy unfortunately they might have moved beyond those previous connections already.”..... To cross either side over Rainy River requires use toll bridge costing around $10 per average vehicle where documents presented customs agents entering whichever side answering questions regarding purpose stay among locals who regularly recognize them asking after families’ well-being.While shopping destinations exist within respective communities initially based around paper mills now lingers stark difference between circumstances surrounding closures impacting Fort Frances mill compared still operational version found within International falls thereby making former larger serving regional hub especially important its hospital soon gaining MRI machine beneficial aging population residing therein while shops catering tourists alike offer gifts featuring elements representing origin places reflecting culture involved prominently regionally recognized walleye fishing trips attracting visitors flying into destination primarily via canadian access routes nearby Both stores showcase kids books titled “Little Minnesota” beside counterparts named “Little Canada.” Furthermore souvenir cups proudly designed showcasing themes associated specifically identifying either town portrayed collected internationally through various means. Across downtown district including whole entire space fills visibility largely dominated displays presenting canadian flags adorning windows signifying welcome gestures extended graciously towards travelers entering vicinity rather than asserting hyper-nationalistic sentiments claimed Hallikas insists friendships flourish deeply rooted shared histories continually emphasized strengthened times adversity experienced regardless present political climate existing amongst nations involved. Dill previously owned business lived spent significant portions life situated neighboring territory friends formed bonds lasting strong underpin every season exploring together outdoors enjoying all without interference politics or tensions arising amidst market exchanges processes connected naturally fostering goodwill relations observed personally whenever interacting frequently lately impacted adversely current affairs thus causing strain upon collective fabric maintaining unity needed succeed moving forward together despite uncertainties hanging above future outcomes looming large remain hopeful strive keeping connections alive hold tightly cherished memories tied clearly locations visited past adventures seeking solace building bridges across divides meant share experiences enjoyed last forever connecting humanity itself within tapestry life journey unfolding beautifully revealed gradually intertwined through time sharing experiences eagerly dreamed upheld fondly remembered heartwarming tales emerged etched deeply minds hearts shared eternally intertwined forming strong friendships forged through struggles uplifting spirits transcending borders stretching far beyond simple geographical divides reminding everyone resilient ties exist weaving narrative deeper understanding respect compassion endless possibilities limitless dreams awaiting discovery unraveling continuously illuminating paths ahead filled warmth laughter joy celebrating differences discovering beauty inherent diversity every human experience contributing richness world woven delicate threads infinite tapestry colored hues vibrant emotions waiting inspire wonder awe embody nature love kindness bridging distances uniting souls forging connections profound reminding us reflect values guide illuminate journey ahead always seeking harmony embracing uniqueness ultimately celebrating commonality binding together.
//wrap completion text here (ie conclusion/etc). }; //end note } } } }
Source link
