With Trump tariffs in effect, here’s how Canada is fighting back

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A 25 per cent tariff is being implemented on Canadian goods imported into the United States starting on Tuesday, as instructed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The American leader has made comments about Canada becoming the 51st state and referred to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “governor.” The ongoing rhetoric has led to heightened tensions between Canada and the United States since Trump came into power for the second time.

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But Canadians haven’t backed down since Trump announced the tariff plan in February. Instead, they’ve shifted away from buying American goods and decided to put effort into making sure Canadian products are at the forefront.

Made in Canada? These Canadian goods will make Americans regret their tariffs

Here are some ways that Canada is fighting back.

Ontario, Manitoba stores removing U.S. alcohol from shelves

Ontario’s main liquor store LCBO will be removing American alcohol from its shelves in response to tariffs. It will also no longer buy American alcohol, the Canadian Press reported Tuesday.

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“Every year, LCBO sells nearly $1 billion worth of American wine, beer, spirits and seltzers. Not anymore,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford in a post on X.

“Starting Tuesday, we’re removing American products from LCBO shelves. As the only wholesaler of alcohol in the province, LCBO will also remove American products from its catalogue so other Ontario-based restaurants and retailers can’t order or restock U.S. products.

He added: “There’s never been a better time to choose an amazing Ontario-made or Canadian-made product. As always, please drink responsibly.”

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew echoed Ford. He also posted on X, saying, “We are taking US alcohol off the shelves in Manitoba Liquor Marts.”

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Flair Airlines offers Canada-wide sale amid trade war

Canadian company Flair Airlines is offering a 25 per cent discount on Canada-wide flights. The sale appears to be inspired by the tariffs that went into effect on Tuesday, based on its promotional materials.

In a post about the discount, the airline calls the flight deals “tariffic.”

“Nothing can trump this deal!” the airline says. The discount also applies to flights to and from Mexico and the Caribbean.

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The discount is applicable until Wednesday.

Canadian coffee, pizza shops offer alternative to American products

A coffee shop in B.C. flipped the script on a drink that uses a U.S.-based name: the Americano.

In response to Trump’s tariffs, Kicking Horse Coffee now refers to the drink as a “Canadiano.” In a post on Instagram, the coffee maker urged other Canadian shops to do the same.

“For 16 years, our Kicking Horse Café has been quietly calling Americanos ‘Canadianos.’ Today, we’re officially making it a thing and asking coffee shops across the country to make the switch. Join us. Call them Canadianos,” the shop said on Instagram.

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Other cafes in Canada have decided to take Kicking Horse’s lead, including two Toronto shops, Café Belem and Le Petit Pain, the National Post reported in early February.

Another Toronto spot decided to take it one step further by ditching American-made products.

The owner of Gram’s Pizza, a restaurant in the Junction-Wallace Emerson neighbourhood, said he would no longer “stock products produced or owned by our neighbours to the south for a bit,” in a post on Instagram in late January.

“I’m voting with my dollar, if you will. I know, insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but I’ll sleep better,” the post said.

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