Canada has begun signalling its anger over United States tariffs, with calls to boycott its products and sports fans booing its national anthem spreading across social media.
As Donald Trump's order to impose duties of up to 25 per cent on Canadian goods sunk in, social media users called for people to avoid US products such as whiskey and fruit and instead buy Canadian items.
Canada is the largest export market for 36 states, and Mexico is the largest trading partner of the US.
The two countries ordered the tariffs despite Trump's further threat to increase the duties charged if retaliatory levies are placed on American goods.
"We're certainly not looking to escalate, but we will stand up for Canada," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said late on Saturday.
[trudeau tweet]Some authorities in the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Manitoba Nova Scotia planned to remove American liquor brands from government store shelves.
For instance, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) sells nearly $1 billion worth of American wine, beer, spirits and seltzers every year, Ontario Premier Doug Ford pointed out on Sunday.
"Not anymore," Mr Ford said in a statement.
"Starting Tuesday, we're removing American products from LCBO shelves."
As the only alcohol wholesaler in the province, the board's action will prevent Ontario-based restaurants and retailers from ordering or restocking US products.
Beyond the official response, people were already thinking of ways to cope with Mr Trump's decision, including by sharing suggestions on social media for alternatives to American products.
[canada tweet]Mr Trudeau addressed Americans directly, saying the tariffs "will have real consequences for you".
A sense of betrayal from Canada's closest ally has also spurred reactions beyond politics, as sports fans said they expected to feel the economic hit of Mr Trump's tariffs.
Canadian hockey fans booed the US national anthem on Saturday night at two National Hockey League games.
The booing continued Sunday at an NBA game in Toronto where the Raptors played the Los Angeles Clippers.
One fan at the Raptors game chose to sit during the anthem while wearing a Canada hat.
Joseph Chua, who works as an importer, said he expects to feel the tariffs "pretty directly".
"I've always stood during both anthems. I've taken my hat off to show respect to the American national anthem, but today we're feeling a little bitter about things," he said, adding that he will start to avoid buying American products.
Why is Trump imposing tariffs?
Mr Trump says the tariffs are to force the countries to do more to stop the flow of fentanyl entering the US.
It also includes pressuring Canada and Mexico to limit any illegal immigration into the country.
A White House fact sheet on the duties said the tariffs would remain in place "until the crisis alleviated," but it did not provide details on what actions the three countries would need to take to win a reprieve.
Posting on his Truth Social account, Mr Trump cited undocumented migration and the flow of drugs as the reason behind the tariffs.
"I made a promise on my campaign to stop the flood of illegal aliens and drugs from pouring across our borders, and Americans overwhelmingly voted in favour of it."
Legal action for 'illegal' tariffs
Canada will take legal action under the relevant international bodies to challenge the 25 per cent tariffs imposed by the US on most Canadian goods, a senior government official said on Sunday, calling the tariffs illegal and unjustified.
The official said the Canadian government considered the move by Mr Trump illegal and said it violates the trade commitments between the two countries under their free trade agreement and under the World Trade Organization.
"If other legal avenues are available to us, they will be considered as well," the official said.
Reuters/AP/ABC
