‘Chin up, as well as our elbows’

Canadians have been attempting to comprehend a new reality since trade negotiations between Canada and the United States concluded on August 21st. The annual fee of $205.00 including GST for a one-year subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 including GST every 52 weeks, representing a 10% discount from the regular price of $259.35. This offer is available to new subscribers and those who have qualified for renewal. Individuals can cancel their subscription at any time.

On the following day after the trade talks were terminated, President Donald Trump's administration implemented a 50 percent tariff on Canadian exports to the United States, amounting to US$20 billion. In response, the Canadian government enacted similar tariffs on $27.6 billion worth of imports from the U.S.

The Free Press reached out to five Manitobans who were appointed to the Order of Canada for their perspectives on the state of Canada-U.S. relations and the implications of being Canadian in today's world. Their statements have been edited for brevity and clarity.

As one of the first Indigenous doctors to graduate from the University of Manitoba, and a recipient of the Order of Canada in 2017, this individual expressed her happiness in being Canadian and gratitude for her birth in Canada. Despite the fact that it takes time for change, she believes that the nation is coming together, even in the face of a difficult issue.

She maintains confidence in Canada's future, acknowledging that the country is financially stronger and better equipped to handle crises compared to previous decades. However, she acknowledges the struggles of those who have been facing difficulties for generations and fears that the current setback could reverse progress. She emphasizes the importance of unity among Canadians and encourages fellow Canadians to support their government during this challenging period.

Another recipient of the Order of Canada, a physical anthropologist and the president and vice-chancellor of the University of Manitoba from 1996 to 2008, also affirmed her pride in being Canadian. She acknowledged that the current situation is not unprecedented, as trade relations between Canada and the United States have a long history.

She praised Prime Minister Trudeau's stance for taking a courageous position against a much stronger economic and military power and recognized the historical ties between Canada and the United States. She expressed her pride in the Canadian government's principled stance and reassured Canadians that they will persevere until societal attitudes change.

She expressed concern for those who would bear the brunt of the economic impact but maintained faith in Canada's ability to overcome this challenge.

A third Order of Canada recipient, a former Premier of Manitoba and Governor General of Canada, also spoke highly of her country. She recognized Canada's unique position as a middle-sized nation that has performed well historically. She believed that Canada had not encountered significant issues in recent times. As for the current trade dispute, she did not see it as a historic juncture, emphasizing that trade relations have been a constant factor in the Americas for centuries.

She lauded Prime Minister Trudeau's leadership and emphasized that standing up for one's principles, especially when facing a much stronger adversary, takes great courage. She expressed her confidence in Canada's ability to maintain its direction and support its government despite political differences and challenges. Lastly, she reiterated her love for Canada, its values, and its commitment to rectifying past errors, particularly regarding Indigenous peoples and immigrants, emphasizing that these qualities make Canada a superior place to live.