As U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest tariff hike on Canadian goods took effect Friday, Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish is urging Canadians to seize the moment—and stop buying American.
In a fiery social media post on Thursday, Parrish framed the 35% tariff increase as a wake-up call and an opportunity for Canada to redefine its economic direction. “Canada comes of age!” she wrote. “Time to grow up! Batten down the hatches and expand to new markets. Trade east west. Remove restrictions in our own country. Refine our own oil! Buy nothing from USA. Thank you Trump for a new tomorrow!”
The White House confirmed that the new tariffs exclude goods covered under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). However, industries not shielded by the deal—particularly in manufacturing and resource extraction—are expected to take a hit.
Trump’s executive order cited Canada’s “failure to cooperate in curbing the ongoing flood of fentanyl” and Ottawa’s retaliatory tariffs as reasons for the hike. But U.S. government data contradicts the fentanyl claim, showing that only a tiny fraction of seizures occur at the Canadian border compared to Mexico.
Parrish, who has served as mayor of Canada’s seventh-largest city for just over a year, is known for her unapologetic stance on national sovereignty and economic resilience. Her comments echo a growing sentiment among Canadian leaders and citizens frustrated by the volatility of trade relations with the U.S.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has responded cautiously to the tariff increase, stating that Canada won’t rush into any deal that doesn’t serve its long-term interests. Talks remain open, but for now, Parrish’s message resonates as a rallying cry: chart a new course, strengthen internal trade, and reduce dependence on America.