The recent trade tensions between Canada and the United States have sparked a wave of Canadian patriotism, leading many to cut ties with American companies—regardless of U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to temporarily pause tariffs.
After Trump announced a 25% tariff on most Canadian goods with energy products facing a 10% levy, Canadians responded with mass boycotts of U.S. products and services. Social media has been flooded with posts from Canadians canceling subscriptions to Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, and, in some cases, Spotify. Many are also refusing to buy American-made alcohol and other goods.
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A Newfound Sense of Canadian Pride
For some, this movement is about more than tariffs—it's about reclaiming Canada's economic independence.
"I love Canada more than I love Spotify," one Reddit user declared, echoing the sentiments of thousands who are canceling their streaming services in favor of Canadian or non-American alternatives.
Glenn Naylor from British Columbia claims that the circumstance had “awoken a sleeping giant.” For him, as for many others, the time has come to favor local products because Canadians have been too complacent for too long.
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Even though Trump announced a 30-day pause on tariffs, many Canadians, including MP Charlie Angus, insist that this is not a victory and are calling for continued boycotts of American goods. "I'm encouraging Canadians to continue the boycott, continue supporting Canadian products, continue opposing what's happening out of the United States because Donald Trump is a threat to us and he's a threat to democracy around the world," he said.
Why Boycott Spotify?
Spotify is a Swedish company, but many Canadians are still choosing to cancel it. This is because Spotify's U.S. branch donated $150,000 to the U.S. presidential inauguration.
Additionally, Spotify has been criticized for its treatment of artists, with many musicians pointing out that the platform pays far less per stream than competitors like Apple Music. Even though Spotify is not an American company, it makes a lot of money in the U.S. and is seen as part of the American economy. Because of this, many Canadians are including it in their boycott.
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A Shift in Consumer Habits
The boycott has gone beyond streaming services. The Liquor Control Board of Ontario has removed U.S. alcohol from its shelves, and many Canadians are making a conscious effort to avoid American brands whenever possible. Some, like Ken Lima-Coelho from Calgary, are using this moment to educate their families about Canadian-made products, Reuters reports.
"I can't control U.S. politics, but I can control what toothpaste I buy," he said.
Meanwhile, Mike Davies from British Columbia has taken his boycott further by canceling his Netflix subscription, avoiding Amazon, and refusing to visit the U.S. altogether.
"I think every Canadian is just disgusted, right? I just think (the tariffs are) treachery," Davies said on social media.
Some sporting events have even seen protests, with fans booing the U.S. national anthem at hockey and basketball games in Ottawa and Toronto.
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Is Boycotting U.S. Goods Sustainable?
Many Canadians want to stop purchasing American goods, but experts say it won’t be simple. Economist Moshe Lander cautions that purchasing just Canadian goods may result in more expensive and limited options and retail analyst Matt Poirier noted that a total boycott might not be effective because Canada still relies heavily on the U.S. for many essential goods.
However, businesses are already responding to the demand for Canadian products. Some retailers have begun sourcing from non-U.S. suppliers, and consumers are increasingly checking labels to ensure their purchases support the local economy.
Even if the tariffs are lifted, many Canadians now feel a renewed commitment to strengthening their national economy. As Naylor put it: "Let's focus on our own stuff. We're a strong, very, very fantastic country and let's just do it. Let's be Canadian."
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