Canadians Boycott U.S. Vacations in Protest of Political Climate
In a surprising turn of events, Canadians are increasingly boycotting the United States for their vacations, a movement sparked by a recent column urging solidarity against the political climate south of the border. The author, who expected backlash, rather received a flood of emails from readers across Quebec, ontario, and even Florida, expressing their support for the boycott.The column, published on Friday, suggested that Canadians should refuse to travel to the U.S.,whether to popular destinations like Florida or Las Vegas.It also referenced an academic proposal to tax travel to the U.S. as a deterrent. The response was overwhelming.
“More than 150 readers wrote to me, and of those, around 40 told me that with the arrival of Trump, thay had given up on the United States or its products,” the author shared. This sentiment was echoed by travelers and “snowbirds” alike, many of whom have canceled their plans to take a stand.
Anne Préfontaine, one of the readers, wrote, “We have decided to cancel our two-month trip planned to the American West in February-March to take a stand against the attitude of the future president.”
The boycott reflects a growing trend among Canadians to distance themselves from the U.S. politically and economically. From Gatineau to Gaspésie, the message is clear: solidarity matters.
| Key Points |
|—————-|
| Canadians are boycotting U.S. vacations in protest of the political climate. |
| Over 150 readers responded to the column, with 40 citing Trump as their reason for avoiding the U.S. |
| Travelers and “snowbirds” are canceling trips to destinations like Florida and Las Vegas. |
| An academic proposal to tax U.S. travel was referenced as a potential deterrent. |
This movement highlights the power of collective action and the impact of political decisions on everyday choices.As Canadians continue to voice their concerns, the question remains: will this boycott inspire broader change?
For more on this story, visit Global News or explore the latest updates on Reuters.Canadians Rethink U.S. Travel Amid Political Climate, Sparking $16 Billion Tourism Deficit
For decades, the United States has been a top destination for Canadian travelers seeking warmer climates, diverse landscapes, and cultural experiences. However, recent political tensions have led many Canadians to reconsider their travel plans, opting to stay closer to home. this shift has contributed to a staggering $16 billion tourism deficit, with Canadians spending $30 billion in the U.S. in 2023 compared to just $14 billion by Americans in Canada.
A Growing trend of Avoidance
Marie-Lyne B., a frequent traveler, shared her decision to skip the U.S. this year: “We had planned to spend the three months from April to July in the USA this summer camping. We will instead head towards the Maritimes and leave from May to August. Several of our friends will no longer go as well.”
Similarly, a reader from Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville canceled two planned trips to Old Orchard and Ogunquit, citing discomfort with the political climate: “The attitude of the president-elect outraged us, and we would not feel welcome among people who voted for him. We have a plan B to stay in Canada.”
Retiree Jean-François Trépanier, who has traveled to the U.S. for a decade, also decided to avoid crossing the border this year. “We are retired and have been traveling in a small motor vehicle for 10 years. We whent to the USA every year, often in the spring and fall (two months each time). As a response, we will avoid crossing the border this year.”
Rodrigue Despard, who has taken two-month vacations in the U.S. annually for 20 years, echoed this sentiment: “We’ve decided not to go to the United States anymore as long as this damn president is in office.”
The Economic Impact
The growing reluctance of Canadians to visit the U.S.has had a notable economic impact. In 2023, Canadians spent $30 billion in the U.S., while Americans spent only $14 billion in Canada, resulting in a $16 billion deficit.This trend has been consistent for two decades,with the exception of the pandemic years.
| Year | Canadian Spending in U.S. | American Spending in Canada | Deficit |
|———-|——————————-|———————————|————-|
| 2023 | $30 billion | $14 billion | $16 billion |
A Shift Toward Domestic Tourism
as Canadians rethink their travel plans, many are turning to domestic destinations. The Maritimes, with their scenic coastlines and welcoming communities, have emerged as a popular option. This shift not only supports local economies but also reflects a broader desire to avoid the political tensions associated with U.S. travel.
looking Ahead
The $16 billion tourism deficit highlights the complex relationship between politics and travel. While the U.S. remains a major destination for Canadians, the current political climate has led many to explore alternatives closer to home.As this trend continues,it will be engaging to see how it shapes the future of cross-border tourism.
What are your thoughts on this shift? Have you reconsidered your travel plans due to political factors? Share your experiences in the comments below.
for more insights on travel trends and their economic impact,explore our latest analysis.
The Growing Trend of Boycotting the U.S.: Travel, Products, and Politics
In recent years, a growing number of individuals have chosen to boycott the United States, citing political, economic, and cultural reasons. from avoiding travel to shunning American-made products, this movement reflects a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction with the current political climate and economic challenges.
The Snowbirds’ Exodus
For decades,Canadian “snowbirds” have flocked to warmer destinations like Florida during the winter months. However, this tradition is now under threat. André Perreault and his wife, who have been wintering in Florida for 17 years, recently sold their home ther. “It’s over. The value of the American dollar is knocking us down.And the new political climate of Trump and his gang of weirdos scares us, like climate change very present here,” Perreault explained.
Similarly, Luce malette, a seven-year snowbird, has decided to end her annual trips. “It’s over for me, the exchange rate, inflation, Trump’s threats… I prefer to spend in Quebec. I will buy my coat and boots with the savings I make,” she said.
A Broader Boycott
The discontent extends beyond travel. Many are now avoiding American products altogether. Robert Charbonneau, who sold his Florida condo in 2019, is among them.“We are boycotting Florida this year after spending two months there last winter under Biden. We will boycott the United States for all our travel from now on. We will also boycott American products as much as possible: cars, household appliances, furniture, Netflix, Apple TV, etc.,” he stated.
Susan Parmenter echoes this sentiment, vowing to avoid anything “Made in the USA.” “We will not go to the United States provided that the clown is president.And we will avoid consuming anything ‘Made in the USA,’ whether in food,alcoholic beverages,music,cinema,literature,clothing,entertainment,and other consumer goods,” she said.
Consumer Solidarity
The boycott is also driven by a sense of solidarity. One reader, who recently canceled a vacation on the American east coast, explained, “I no longer buy American wines as the first election of Donald Trump.Yes to solidarity between provinces, but we can certainly do the same at the consumer level.”
Key Reasons for the Boycott
| Reason | Example |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Political Climate | Fear of Trump’s policies and rhetoric |
| Economic Factors | High exchange rates and inflation |
| Cultural Discontent | Avoidance of American media and entertainment |
| Consumer Solidarity | Preference for local products over American-made goods |
The Bigger Picture
This trend highlights a shift in consumer behavior,where political and economic factors increasingly influence purchasing decisions. As more individuals opt to spend their money locally or on non-American products, the impact on U.S. industries could be significant.
What do you think about this growing boycott? Are you reconsidering your travel plans or consumer choices? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
For more insights on consumer trends and political impacts, explore our related articles.canadians Respond to Trump’s tariffs: Calls for Boycott and Drastic Measures
As tensions rise between Canada and the United States following President Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats, Canadians—notably Quebecers—are voicing their discontent and considering drastic measures. From boycotting American goods to rethinking travel plans, the sentiment among many Canadians is clear: they are unwilling to stand idly by.
A Growing Movement: Boycotting the U.S.
Louise from Blainville, Quebec, exemplifies this sentiment. “As soon as Trump was declared victorious, my husband and I gave up going to the USA for at least the next four years and decided never to buy an American car again,” she shared.Similarly, Nathalie Lagueux declared, “I haven’t set foot in this nice country since this ratatouille came south of the border.And don’t plan to go back there again. I also avoid plane travel that passes through there. Imagine Maine without Quebecers.”
These statements reflect a broader call for a general boycott of the United States, with many Canadians expressing their frustration through emails and public forums. While some argue that such measures are impractical—particularly for those with financial commitments like annual Florida condo fees—the majority seem to support the idea of taking a stand.
drastic Measures on the Table
Beyond boycotts, some canadians are proposing more extreme actions to counter Trump’s policies. Suggestions include reducing purchase exemptions for Canadians in the United States or limiting the duration of stays in the U.S. before losing Canadian health insurance coverage. While the feasibility and desirability of these measures remain uncertain, they highlight the depth of frustration among Canadians.
The Snowbird Factor
The issue is particularly relevant for Canadian “snowbirds”—retirees who spend their winters in warmer U.S. states like Florida. In 2023, Senator Marco Rubio passed a law allowing Canadian snowbirds aged 50 and over to extend their stays in the U.S. However, this privilege could now be at risk as Canadians reconsider their relationship with their southern neighbor.
A Potential Turning Point
If the emails and public sentiment are any indication, Canadians—especially Quebecers—are ready to take action. “In short, if we trust the emails received, Canadians – at least Quebecers – will not stand idly by in the face of Trump’s threats.And who knows, such a boycott could produce its effects,” one columnist noted.
Key Points at a Glance
| Issue | Canadian Response |
|——————————–|—————————————————————————————|
| Trump’s Tariff Threats | Calls for boycotts and reduced travel to the U.S. |
| Snowbird Stays | Proposals to limit duration of stays or reduce purchase exemptions |
| Public Sentiment | Majority support for drastic measures, though some argue against impracticality |
| Potential Impact | Boycotts could significantly affect U.S. tourism and trade with Canada |
What’s next?
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether these proposed measures will gain traction or if cooler heads will prevail. For now,one thing is clear: Canadians are not taking Trump’s threats lightly.
for more insights, read the column “Reply to trump tariffs: Energy and Snowbirds.”Florida Lawmaker Proposes Extending Stay Limit to Eight Months
A Florida lawmaker has recently tabled a bill that could extend the maximum allowable stay in the state from six to eight consecutive months. This proposal, if adopted, would mark a significant shift in residency regulations for visitors and part-time residents.The bill,which has not yet been passed,aims to address the growing number of individuals who spend extended periods in florida but are currently limited by the six-month rule. The lawmaker behind the initiative acknowledged a prior miscommunication, stating, “It would have been better to write that he had tabled a bill, as it has not yet been adopted. My fault.”
This potential change could have wide-ranging implications for Florida’s economy, particularly in sectors like tourism, real estate, and local businesses. Longer stays could encourage visitors to invest more in the state, boosting revenue and creating new opportunities for growth.
| key Points | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| Current Stay Limit | Six consecutive months |
| Proposed Stay Limit | Eight consecutive months |
| Status of the Bill | Tabled, not yet adopted |
| Potential Impact | Economic growth, increased tourism, real estate investment |
As the bill moves through the legislative process, stakeholders and residents alike will be watching closely to see how this proposal unfolds. For now, the focus remains on the potential benefits and challenges of extending the stay limit in the Sunshine State.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story and its potential impact on Florida’s future.
