Consider This from NPR – Episode Summary: How Canada's National Election Has Been Largely Shaped by Donald Trump

Release Date: April 27, 2025

In this episode of NPR's "Consider This," host Scott Detrow explores the profound influence of U.S. President Donald Trump on Canada's federal election. As Canada heads to the polls, national pride and political dynamics are undergoing significant shifts, largely in response to Trump's policies and rhetoric.

1. Surge of Canadian Nationalism

As Canada's federal election approaches, a palpable sense of national pride is sweeping across the nation. Scott Detrow describes scenes from rallies in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where supporters chant "Elbows up"—a hockey term symbolizing readiness to defend Canadian interests. This surge in patriotism is a direct reaction to the perceived threats from the United States under President Trump.

Notable Quote:

"Elbows up. That's a hockey term, expressing a willingness to defend yourself, to throw a punch."
— Scott Detrow, [00:00]

2. Economic Tensions and Boycotts

Trump's imposition of new tariffs has posed a significant threat to the Canadian economy, which is heavily reliant on trade with the U.S. In retaliation, many Canadians are canceling planned trips to the U.S. and favoring Canadian-made products over American imports. This economic pushback reflects a broader move towards self-reliance and resistance against U.S. economic pressures.

Notable Quote:

"We are a good neighbor who will still be there for our big brother, but we don't need you anymore, America."
— Comedian Sean Majumder, paraphrased by Scott Detrow, [00:00]

3. Trump's Threats to Canadian Sovereignty

President Trump's rhetoric has not only strained economic ties but also challenged Canada's sovereignty. He has frequently mocked former Canadian Prime Ministers and made provocative statements about turning Canada into the "51st American state." These comments have heightened fears among Canadians about the erosion of their national independence.

Notable Quote:

"President Trump has mocked the former Canadian Prime Minister and repeatedly threatened Canada's sovereignty by expressing his desire to turn Canada into the 51st American state."
— Narration by Scott Detrow, [01:13]

Retired teacher Barbara Wilson from Milton, Ontario, voiced her serious concerns:

Notable Quote:

"For me personally, this is not funny. Like I've heard some people say, oh, you know, he's just joking. He's just joking. No, this is not funny. To us. It is a threat. It is real."
— Barbara Wilson, [01:13]

4. Impact on the Election: Shifting Political Landscape

The predominance of Trump's influence has significantly altered the Canadian political landscape. Initially, the Conservative Opposition Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, was expected to secure a comfortable victory, leading the Liberals by over 20 points in the polls. However, the unpredictable nature of Trump's actions and the resignation of an unpopular Prime Minister have narrowed the gap, allowing the Liberal Party, now under Mark Carney, to gain ground.

Notable Quote:

"Trump is the dominant issue on the ballot."
— Simra Sevi, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Toronto, [02:19]

Notable Quote:

"The Liberals went from being written off three months ago and now we're talking about them possibly forming a majority government. That's a major shift in Canadian politics."
— Lloyd Axworthy, [03:00]

5. Expert Insights: Lloyd Axworthy on US-Canada Relations

Scott Detrow interviews Lloyd Axworthy, former Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs and current chair of the World Refugee and Migration Council. Axworthy provides a comprehensive analysis of how Trump's presidency has disrupted the long-standing US-Canada alliance.

Key Points:

• Erosion of Trust: The foundational trust between the two nations has significantly diminished.

  Notable Quote:

  "A couple of major ruptures have taken place. One is the fundamental question of trust."
  — Lloyd Axworthy, [05:44]

• Shift in Diplomacy: Canada is seeking to collaborate with other countries, such as Mexico, to mitigate reliance on the U.S.

• Public Sentiment: There is widespread dissatisfaction among Canadians regarding America's political direction, leading to unified resistance against U.S. policies.

6. Potential for Deteriorated Relations

Axworthy discusses the possibility of increasingly strained relations between Canada and the U.S. While a hot war is unlikely, the relationship may become "cold and frosty," adversely affecting both nations.

Key Points:

• Economic Boycotts: Canadians are actively boycotting American products, with observable signs like the removal of bourbon and American wine from shelves.

  Notable Quote:

  "People are selling their condos in Florida. People are no longer sort of buying American products."
  — Lloyd Axworthy, [07:26]

• Border Security Concerns: Increased border security measures may hinder the ease of crossing, potentially leading to personal and economic inconveniences.

  Notable Quote:

  "I personally question whether I could cross the border without being apprehended."
  — Lloyd Axworthy, [10:58]

7. Future Implications and Conclusion

The federal election is poised to be one of the most significant in recent Canadian history. Regardless of the outcome, the next Prime Minister will have the challenging task of navigating a strained relationship with the U.S. under Trump’s administration. Axworthy emphasizes the need for Canada to adapt and seek new international partnerships to safeguard its sovereignty and economic interests.

Notable Quote:

"We're living next door to a government that seems to be hell bent on expansion of intimidation and of getting its own way, and is not clearly interested in cooperative efforts."
— Lloyd Axworthy, [08:58]

Final Thoughts: The episode underscores the profound impact of external political forces on national elections and international relations. As Canadians head to the polls, the nation's future direction remains closely tied to its ability to assert independence and redefine its alliance with the United States.

Notable Quotes Summary:

• "We are a good neighbor who will still be there for our big brother, but we don't need you anymore, America." — Sean Majumder, [00:00]
• "For me personally, this is not funny. [...] It is a threat. It is real." — Barbara Wilson, [02:09]
• "A couple of major ruptures have taken place. One is the fundamental question of trust." — Lloyd Axworthy, [05:44]
• "Trump is the dominant issue on the ballot." — Simra Sevi, [02:19]
• "People are selling their condos in Florida. People are no longer sort of buying American products." — Lloyd Axworthy, [07:26]
• "I personally question whether I could cross the border without being apprehended." — Lloyd Axworthy, [10:58]

Produced by Kira Joachim with audio engineering by David Greenberg and Simon Laszlo Jansen. Edited by Tinbit Ermias and Tara Neal. Executive Producer Sammy Yenigun.

For more insights and updates, listen to "Consider This" on your preferred podcast platform or support NPR at plus.npr.org/considerthis.