While the North American economy reacts to the ongoing turbulence of President Trump’s tariff proclamations, Canadians are faced with a wide range of reactions – none of which seem to last more than a few days before the situation is changed by the President.
To fully understand what is going on, you have to do a bit of research – start by reading “The Art of the Deal“.
From my perspective, as a journalist with more than 50 years experience, and an expert in the RV and automotive sector, this is a high stakes example of gamesmanship… it is a psychological power play that embodies a series of actions and reactions, orchestrated by a mastermind whose next move is as unpredictable as anything we have seen in the political and economic sectors over the past several decades.
The Canadian element of the “game” began with a snarky Justin Trudeau remark about President Trump at a G7 conference a few years ago, caught on an open mic – this inappropriate comment festered for quite some time until President Trump was re-elected, and he had the opportunity to needle Prime Minister Trudeau with the “Governor Trudeau” series of comments, and the declaration that Canada should become the 51st State. This has played out over the last few weeks to generate a wide array of reactions – some appropriate, some excessive, on both sides of the border.
There is no doubt that the tariffs on products including the steel, aluminum, and automotive sectors that are so thoroughly entwined in our RV industry, will have a negative effect on the economies of Canada and the USA.
Travellers on both sides of the Canadian/US border are reacting to the tariffs and the imposition of tighter border crossing procedures by postponing or cancelling plans for cross border trips. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers are exploring the possibility of sourcing products and materials from suppliers that will be exempt from the new tariffs, or eligible for lower tariffs.
This could be a long-term problem, or it can be resolved with a single comment from the White House.
Remember – this is a poker game of international proportions, played out in the media – whose reporters and editors may or may not be doing their due diligence before broadcasting stories while the details are still developing. Add the element of social media, and misinformation runs rampant, creating even more turmoil in the marketplace.
To paraphrase Warren Buffett, you don’t lose anything when the stock market drops – unless you sell your stock…
The Canadian federal election takes place April 28, 2025. Until the new Prime Minister is sworn in, any Canadian action or reaction to the tariff situation is likely to be altered or rescinded after the new Parliament is elected.
In the meantime, it is my opinion that the Canadian RV industry, as well as a wide range of industries affected by these tariff threats, should keep their cards close to their chests. This is why we do not publish the internal playbooks that have been formulated by the Canadian RV associations in response to the tariffs and other political actions that may affect our domestic industry.
As Canadians, we are proud to be a nation of peacekeepers, and we always treat our American friends with dignity earned over generations of cooperation. We treat the President of the United States with the respect appropriate for the office that he holds.
President Trump has accomplished one feat that will have a long-term effect on Canadians from sea to sea to sea – he has ignited a wave of patriotism that has inspired the nation – uniting our country with a strength and resolve that I have not seen since our centennial celebrations in 1967.
When the tariff threats and the “51st State” nonsense erupted, I crafted a LinkedIn post that reflected on the Joe Canada “I am Canadian” campaign created by Molson Brewery back in the days when Molson was a Canadian-owned business.
Jeff Douglas, the broadcaster and actor who starred in the “I Am Canadian” ad, replied to my post, and he let me know that there would be an updated version of the Canadian rant…
Here are the links to the original “I Am Canadian” ad campaign, and the new “We Are Canadian” versions… watch them both, and you will understand why Canadians will NEVER be the 51st State, and you will see why we proudly deliver RV industry news from a Canadian perspective.
Click on the screenshot below to view the original I Am Canadian Rant:
Click on the screenshot below to view the 2025 “We Are Canadian” version…
Many thanks to Jeff Douglas and the Average Joes for their patriotism and dedication to the Canadian national spirit.
Norm Rosen,
VP Special Projects,
Editorial Director,
Taylor Publishing Group
Publishers of RV Lifestyle Magazine, RV Dealer News, Power Boating Canada Magazine, Les Plaisanciers, and other titles serving the outdoor recreation sector.
