Anger, fueled by the actions of U.S. President Donald Trump, continued to inspire showings of Canadian patriotism in Windsor on Saturday afternoon.
Standing with neighbouring Detroit, Mich. as the backdrop, about 100 people protested Trump’s tariff war and rhetoric about making Canada the 51st state.
Under the Great Canadian Flag, rallying residents read poems, gave pointed speeches and sang the Canadian National Anthem.
“We got a fight on our hands like there’s no tomorrow,” said Windsor’s Dan Beaudoin.
“But you know what? We’re all Canadians. When the going gets tough, Canadian people get going, strong.”
The “elbows up/hands off” rally came as similar showings of displeasure played out stateside in response to the 47th U.S. President’s directives since taking office in January.
American citizen Michael Irwin attended the Windsor rally to show his support.
The Dayton, OH resident was on his way to Toronto with his wife to begin looking at apartments.
“We love the Canadian people. We support you. We think your country is just a marvellous, solid democracy,” Irwin told CTV News.
At 73 years old, Irwin felt a need to distance himself from the “chaotic” U.S. and plans to split his time between Canada and its southern neighbour.
“The political problems are seeping into everyday life to such an extent that we feel a lot more comfortable in Canada,” Irwin said.
“It’s a more relaxed country and certainly people here are very kind and caring about each other, and we enjoy being a part of that.”
Trump has imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods that do not fall under previous trade agreements. A similar sized tariff has been levied on Canadian steel and aluminum, while energy and potash face a 10 per cent tariff.
Last week, the president announced a 25 per cent tariff on foreign-made vehicles. The move prompted a two-week shutdown of the Stellantis-run Windsor Assembly Plant, affecting as many as 3,500 workers.
“I think it’s unusual to think that somebody right there could be so threatening,” resident Lori Whyte said, pointing to the U.S.
