By Fareed Khan
This is part II of a three part series on the existential danger the United States under Donald Trump poses to Canada.
Donald Trump’s economic war against Canada is not an isolated conflict. It is part of a broader project aimed at reshaping the global order so that other nations are subordinate to the United States. His tariffs on Canada, Mexico, China, Europe, and other nations have destabilized global markets, disrupted supply chains, and pushed the world toward recession. Economists warn that Trump’s policies could trigger a global downturn comparable to the Great Depression — a crisis that historically fuelled nationalism, extremism, and war. The pattern is unmistakable: Trump’s economic aggression is designed not only to punish individual countries, but to fracture alliances, weaken democratic institutions, and create the conditions for a new geopolitical hierarchy dominated by the United States.
Canada cannot simply match the United States tariff for tariff since their economic size gives them an overwhelming advantage. Instead, Canada must act strategically. Our greatest economic power lies in our purchasing power — and Canadians must use it. We must boycott American goods wherever alternatives exist. Consumers must demand that retailers reduce reliance on US products and prioritize Canadian goods or imports from nations not aligned with Trump’s agenda. This is not a symbolic gesture. It is a form of economic self‑defence.
This is
not theoretical. Canadians have already begun boycotting American products in
response to Trump’s tariffs. Surveys show that 71% of Canadians have pledged to buy fewer American goods, and provincial alcohol retailers
across the country have removed US booze from their shelves with the
exception of
Alberta and Saskatchewan. Tourism from Canada — worth over $20 billion annually to the US economy — has plummeted, costing American businesses billions.
These actions demonstrate that Canadians are willing to endure economic
hardship to defend their sovereignty. They also reveal a deeper truth —
Canadians understand that Trump’s aggression is not a temporary dispute, but a
structural threat to the country’s future.
Canada must also leverage the sectors where we hold decisive advantages: potash, energy (oil, gas, hydro), and critical minerals that the US cannot easily source elsewhere. These resources give Canada the ability to impose targeted pressure on the US economy — especially in red‑state farm regions already weakened by Trump’s own tariffs. Potash, for example, is essential to global agriculture, and Canada controls more than 30% of the world’s supply. By raising costs on potash‑based fertilizers and energy exports, Canada can drive up US inflation at a politically sensitive moment, forcing Americans to confront the consequences of Trump’s reckless policies as they head into the fall midterm elections.
But Canada’s vulnerabilities extend beyond economics. Trump’s threats to annex Canada, his coordination with Alberta separatist groups, and his portrayal of the Canada-US border as an “artificial line” on the map all point to a deeper strategic danger. Trump’s administration has held covert meetings with Alberta separatist leaders, discussing currency changes, border realignment, and even a $500 billion credit line to support Alberta’s independence. These actions constitute foreign interference in Canadian affairs — interference designed to fracture Canada internally and weaken its ability to resist external pressure.
Foreign interference of this nature is not unprecedented. Russia used similar tactics in Crimea, supporting separatist groups, spreading disinformation, and offering financial incentives to destabilize Ukraine before annexation. While China has used economic leverage and political influence campaigns to weaken democratic institutions in Taiwan. Trump’s engagement with Alberta separatists fits this global pattern, one where authoritarian leaders exploit regional grievances to undermine national unity and create openings for political or territorial expansion.
The danger to Canada is amplified by its military dependence on the United States. Canada’s planned purchase of 88 F‑35 fighter jets from American defence contractor Lockheed — a $19 billion program with a $74 billion lifetime cost — would give the US effective control over Canada’s air defence capabilities. The F‑35’s software, mission data files, and maintenance systems are controlled entirely by the US, meaning Canada could not operate its own aircraft independently in a crisis. Defence experts warn that the US could disable Canada’s F‑35 fleet by withholding updates or restricting access to critical systems — a vulnerability that could leave Canada defenceless in the event of a military confrontation.
This is not speculation. Denmark has already expressed regret over its F‑35 purchase, fearing the US could disable its jets to coerce concessions over Greenland. Germany’s F‑35 program is under review for similar reasons, with defence analysts warning that the aircraft’s dependence on US software creates “strategic vulnerability.” In light of this, Canada must not place its air defence in the hands of a country whose leader has openly threatened its sovereignty.
Canada must instead pursue strategic autonomy — diversifying its defence procurement, strengthening alliances with Europe and Asia, and investing in domestic military capabilities. The Saab Gripen, which offers full operational independence and domestic assembly, is a viable alternative that would create thousands of Canadian jobs while reducing reliance on the United States. Sweden’s Gripen program has been praised for its transparency, cost‑effectiveness, and independence from foreign control. For Canada, choosing the Gripen would be more than a procurement decision; it would be a declaration of military aviation sovereignty.
Strengthening Canada’s alliances with Europe, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and other democracies that have faced similar pressure from Trump’s administration must also be a priority, and Prime Minister Carney is well on his way to achieving that, taking 23 international trips to 29 countries since taking office on March 2025, and taking multiple side meetings with foreign leaders at international gatherings. The nations with which Canada is shoring up relations understand the stakes as Trump has threatened tariffs on European steel, demanded concessions from Japan, and pressured South Korea to renegotiate defence agreements under threat of troop withdrawal. Canada must work with these allies to coordinate economic, diplomatic, and technological resistance to Trump’s authoritarian agenda. A unified democratic front can counterbalance US pressure and prevent Trump from isolating Canada.
Domestic unity is equally essential. Canada’s internal divisions — particularly Alberta separatism — are vulnerabilities Trump seeks to exploit. Ottawa must confront these internal threats with honesty and resolve. National unity is a strategic necessity, because a divided Canada is a vulnerable Canada, and a united Canada is a formidable one.
Finally, Canadians themselves must play an active role in defending the country. Public mobilization — through protests, boycotts, political engagement, and civic activism — is essential. Silence is complicity. Canadians must speak out, organize, and demand decisive action from their leaders. The defence of democracy is not solely the responsibility of governments. It is the responsibility of citizens.
Canada’s future depends on our willingness to defend our sovereignty, our values, and our democracy against Trump’s authoritarian project, which threatens not only Canada, but the entire global order that has preserved peace for eight decades. If Canada stands firm, we can help lead the world in resisting this rising tide of authoritarianism. If we falter, the consequences will be catastrophic.
Part III will look at Canada’s economic and military vulnerabilities, which are very real — but they are not insurmountable.
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