Now as Canada gets ready for a likely pivotal national election, voters are asking themselves whether it’s time to reconsider the nation’s cozy relationship with the United States. The political landscape has shifted dramatically since Donald Trump’s presidency, prompting discussions on how Canadian businesses and citizens respond to changing dynamics.
Lindsay Smith and Kaitlynn Strain, co-owners of the florist Lola Blooms, are two such adaptors. The sisters-in-law are committed to buying blooms from abroad. They are looking for replacements that will safeguard their operations while still contributing to the health of local economies. Their decision is a product – and a contributor – to a growing wave of scepticism among Canadians about dependence on U.S. imports.
You know, we’re really trying to buy Canadian as much as we can,” Smith said. They’re not just about beautiful blooms. They’re looking at ways to bring vases and other materials in from as far away as Holland and Mexico—all to make Canada’s economic recovery that much more resilient.
Out in rural Ontario, Peter Hamilton is a 75 year old conservative farmer. On his own 200-acre farm just 60 miles down the road from Toronto, he voices the same worries about the direction of Canada’s future. He’s raised corn, wheat and soybeans for 54 years, and has a small, thriving timber enterprise. As Hamilton tells it, the upcoming election presents a rare and important opportunity for our country. In that time, he hopes to see the Conservative Party returned to power. He is a strong proponent of military spending and opening up economic frontiers.
The greatest resource in Canada is we’ve got friends around the world. One surprise, when you consider how many friends America has these days. Hamilton continued, stressing the importance of Canada’s international relationships during this time of uncertainty over American leadership.
Toby Gorman, yet another conservative Canadian voter, speaks to the changing tides in Canada. He is no longer leaning towards one of the big parties. This key change will guarantee that whoever wins will have a greater mandate to govern. Gorman has publicly displayed his patriotism by placing a “Proud Canadian” placard in his window, signaling his desire for unity and strength during this election cycle.
With the federal election day fast approaching, many Canadians can’t help but feel that this is an historic turning point for the country. The diverse culture across Canada, characterized by distinct regional identities and languages—English and French—adds complexity to the electoral landscape. Urban centers like downtown Toronto often contrast with rural areas such as Hamilton’s farmland, highlighting differing priorities and concerns among voters.
Through their respective political platforms, Hamilton implores the two major political parties to come together and work for the greater good. “The bottom line is the liberals and conservatives got to work together here,” he said. They can’t be sticklers and fighting among themselves. I truly do believe that we’ve – all of us – got to work together to keep this country moving – moving forward.
Indeed, Smith shares this sentiment, and he does not hold back in his call for fierce leadership willing to stand strong against global pressures. “We just need a strong leader who won’t stand for bullying,” she stated, referencing her views on U.S.-Canada relations.
As Canadians get ready to vote, their turning relationship with the United States is top of mind. The poisonous, divisive legacy of Trump’s presidency continues to echo across political discourse, and through the choices we make in our own lives.
