How PISSED off are Canadians at Trump and the US?

Quick Overview

Canadians are not unanimously angry at former President Trump; rather, Goldy Hyder of the Business Council of Canada argues that the consistent, process-driven engagement with the US administration, even under Trump, is what ultimately preserved the relationship and economic stability, contrasting with emotionally charged political narratives.

Key Points: Prime Minister Mark Carney stated Canada's long-standing relationship with the US was "over," referencing military and economic ties, immediately after Trump's election. Goldy Hyder, President and CEO of the Business Council of Canada, emphasizes that the US-Canada relationship is based on a continental economic integration, not just political alignment. The US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) review process, scheduled for 2026, is seen as a critical juncture where Canada must remain focused on process over political noise. Hyder recounts that the Trump administration threatened tariffs on steel, aluminum, and other goods, but ultimately did not implement a 10% tariff on Canadian goods, which was a positive outcome despite the threats. The interviewee (Mehdi Hasan) suggests that Canadian politicians like Doug Ford may have softened their language toward Trump because they feared being annexed or facing trade barriers, citing Ford's past pro-Trump rhetoric. Hyder asserts that the consistent engagement by Canadian business leaders and diplomats ensured the relationship remained secure, even when the US administration was erratic, contrasting with the emotional narratives presented by some media. The trade relationship is massive, with $1.8 billion in daily trade and 13 million jobs reliant on it, underscoring the importance of stability beyond political theater.

Context: This segment features an interview between host Mehdi Hasan and Goldy Hyder, President and CEO of the Business Council of Canada. The discussion centers on the complex and often tumultuous trade and political relationship between Canada and the United States, particularly during the Trump administration. Hyder offers the perspective of Canadian business leadership, focusing on maintaining stable economic processes despite political volatility, specifically referencing the USMCA trade agreement review and past tariff threats.