The workday at Lola Blooms begins by unpacking the morning delivery: a colorful mix of dahlias, hydrangeas, carnations, roses and more lifted from boxes and spread across the worktables. Until a few weeks ago, there were almost always flowers from the United States in the mix as Lindsay Smith and Kaitlynn Strain grabbed a vase, clippers and got to work crafting floral arrangements. But not anymore. Smith and Strain are sisters in law, business partners and offended Canadians determined to do their part in sending a message to US President Donald Trump. “We’re just trying to buy Canadian as much as we can,” Smith said. Strain chimes in that Holland and Mexico are good options if there is no choice but to import. Some of the vases and other hardware in the shop still come from the states, but Smith and Strain are busy looking for alternatives. “It’s … Donald Trump,” Smith said. “I feel like he’s a bully in this situation. We’re supposed to be allies. We thought we were on a friendship level.” Tariff threats. Talk of making Canada the 51st state. Derisive references to the prime minister as governor. “It’s very insulting,” Smith says, before showing off the maple leaf earrings she chose for CNN’s visit “because I love Canada.” The Trump effect is easy to find. There are more Canadian flags flying. “Proud Canadian” placards in windows. And, importantly, a very different tone and tenor as voters here prepare to pick a new parliament and prime minister. Smith and Strain are just two examples. Both are traditionally Green Party supporters. But both told CNN they are all but certain to vote Liberal Party next week because they know the Greens won’t win enough seats to pick the prime minister. The Liberals do have a shot, and Smith and Strain want the winning party to have as big a mandate as possible. Canadians don’t vote for prime minister. They cast ballots to elect a representative for their district, or riding, and the party that wins the most seats gets to form the government and pick the prime minister, usually the party leader. ‘We just need a strong leader who won’t stand for bullying,” Smith said. “You put your vote where it counts more in this situation.” Toby Gorman offers more proof Canadians are rethinking just about everything. Gorman is an author and environmental journalist, and self-described independent who says he has supported candidates of all stripes over the years. But the climate crisis is his most important issue right now, and Gorman sees the Green Party as most aligned with his views. But he, too, said his plan, barring a last-second reversal, is to vote Liberal. “If it was any other election, without the US situation, without the crisis we have going on, I would probably go with the Greens,” Gorman said. Like Smith and Strain, he wants the winner to have a mandate. And he has been impressed with Prime Minister Mark Carney, who’s been on the job just since mid-March after replacing Justin Trudeau as Liberal leader. The smaller parties tend to fare a little better in Canada than they do in the United States. There are no Green Party members of the US Congress, for example, but the Greens currently hold two of the 338 seats in the Canadian Parliament. The New Democrats hold 24 seats; the Bloc Quebecois 33. But Gorman is among those shifting toward one of the two major parties because he wants the winner to have more power. “A very focused leader,” is Gorman’s take on Carney. “A smart leader. He can handle the economy. I believe he can handle the US situation.” Every Canadian to whom we spoke, on this Ontario visit and on a trip to British Columbia a few weeks ago, characterized this campaign as a crossroads moment. Canada’s government, they say, needs to increase its military spending and find new economic markets and partners. Canadians should double-check at the grocery store and buy Canadian over American whenever possible. And both alike should rid themselves of the idea that Canada’s neighbor to the south is a reliable friend with shared values. “We’re just sick of him,” Gorman said of Trump. “And it has only been three months into the term. It’s, he’s going to annex us. He wants to crush us economically. At first it was kind of like losing your best friend. You know, ‘What’s happened? What is happening?’ But now I think we are at the point where it’s like, we can move on.” Federal elections here are often defined by geographic or cultural rivalries. East versus West. The coasts versus the middle. Urban versus rural. English versus French. Liberal versus Conservative. But Trump has spawned a wave of Canadian nationalism, and he is the central issue in this race. “I put up a flag myself,” said Gorman. “I never thought I would put up a Canadian flag. But when it comes to crunch time, Canadians really gather up. … We have our unity issues, but right now Trump is definitely causing a bit more pride than we usually show.” Peter Hamilton is a lifelong conservative and hopes the Conservatives come out on top when the votes are counted next week. But he has seen the historic swing in the polls: a 25-point Conservative edge in January has evaporated, and the late polling shows a modest Liberal advantage. “The bottom line is the liberals and conservatives got to work together here,” Hamilton said. “They can’t be nitpicking and arguing amongst each other. We have to work together to make this country go – go ahead.” That consensus is critical, Hamilton says, because the United States suddenly seems so distant and unreliable. We interviewed Hamilton at Rock Maple Lodge, a 200-acre farm in a rural area about 60 miles from Toronto. The border and Buffalo are about 100 miles away, but Hamilton said the states suddenly don’t feel so close. Some 2,000 maple trees dot the property and there are 11 miles of tubing to carry maple syrup back to a building where it is boiled, filtered and bottled, some after additional aging in bourbon barrels from the United States. Hamilton also grows corn, wheat and soybeans and has a sawmill for a modest timber business. Hamilton, always a proud Canadian, now feels that way more than ever. He greets a visitor in a Team Canada hockey jersey and our first stop is a farm building full of memorabilia from hockey legends: Wayne Gretzky, Guy Lafleur, Bobby Orr and many more. In a window of another building: One of the “Proud Canadian” placards we saw over and over again during our Ontario visit, from reliably liberal downtown Toronto to the conservative rural strongholds dotted by dairy and vegetable farms and Hamilton’s Rock Maple Lodge. Hamilton is 75 and has had the farm for 54 years, after also working in home construction. He has seen a lot. But nothing like this. Like most Canadians we met, he could not fathom why Trump decided to take the relationship from neighborly to nasty. But he also isn’t one to dwell and believes the Canadian election is a key step for a country he says needs to reassert its independence and stress its manners. “There is no friend anymore,” Hamilton said of the United States. “The biggest thing in Canada is we have friends all over the world. How many friends does America have right now?”
‘No friend anymore’: Days from a national election, Canadian voters focus on the US relationship
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Canadian Voters Reassess U.S. Relations Ahead of National Election"
CNN
7.5
TruthLens AI Summary
As Canada approaches its national election, the relationship with the United States has become a focal point for many voters, influencing their political choices significantly. Business partners and sisters-in-law, Lindsay Smith and Kaitlynn Strain, have taken a stand by prioritizing Canadian products in their floral shop, reducing their reliance on American imports. Their sentiment reflects a broader discontent among Canadians toward U.S. President Donald Trump, whose actions, including tariff threats and derogatory remarks about Canada, have prompted feelings of betrayal among many. This has led to an increase in Canadian nationalism, with more people displaying pride in their identity and opting for local goods over American ones. Smith and Strain, traditionally supporters of the Green Party, are now shifting their support to the Liberal Party, expressing a desire for a leader who can effectively manage the relationship with the U.S. and provide a strong mandate in parliament. This sentiment is echoed by others, including environmental journalist Toby Gorman, who, despite his alignment with Green values, is also leaning toward the Liberals for the sake of political efficacy in the face of external pressures.
The ongoing election campaign is seen by many Canadians as a pivotal moment, with voters reevaluating their political affiliations and priorities. Concerns about the U.S. relationship dominate discussions, as citizens call for increased military spending and diversification of economic partnerships. Interviews with various Canadians reveal a collective sentiment of anger and disappointment towards the current U.S. administration, with many feeling that the country can no longer be considered a reliable ally. As the election nears, the once clear distinctions between political parties are blurring, with voters from various backgrounds uniting under the common goal of ensuring a strong leadership that can navigate the turbulent waters of international relations. This shift in perspective signifies a significant cultural and political transformation within Canada, as voters grapple with the implications of their neighbor's actions on their national identity and future.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article illustrates a growing sentiment among Canadian voters regarding their relationship with the United States, particularly in light of the upcoming national election. It captures the feelings of individuals who are reacting to political tensions and economic policies, especially under the Trump administration. There is a clear shift in consumer behavior towards supporting local businesses and distancing from American products, reflecting a broader national sentiment.
Consumer Sentiment and Political Influence
The narrative highlights how Canadian citizens, such as the flower shop owners, are consciously choosing to avoid American goods as a form of protest against perceived bullying by the U.S. president. This collective action serves as a tangible expression of discontent, signaling a potential shift in political alliances and voting behavior in the upcoming election.
Shifts in Political Preferences
The article notes that traditional Green Party supporters, like Smith and Strain, are reconsidering their votes in favor of the Liberal Party due to pragmatic concerns about electability. This suggests that the emotional response to U.S. relations is influencing political calculations among voters, which could lead to significant changes in parliamentary representation.
National Identity and Symbolism
The emphasis on Canadian flags and symbols of national pride indicates an attempt to cultivate a stronger national identity in response to external pressures. This cultural shift may resonate with voters who prioritize nationalism, thus potentially swaying their electoral choices toward parties that align with this sentiment.
Potential Socio-Economic Impact
As Canadians increasingly support local businesses, there may be positive ramifications for the Canadian economy, especially for small businesses. This trend could influence economic policies post-election, as the winning party may feel compelled to address the concerns raised by these shifts in consumer behavior.
Community Responses and Target Audience
The article appeals primarily to those who feel a strong sense of Canadian identity and are concerned about U.S. influence. It likely resonates with progressive voters who prioritize localism and environmentalism, as well as those disillusioned by current political dynamics.
Market Implications
The sentiment captured in the article could affect market dynamics, particularly for Canadian companies. Stocks of businesses that emphasize local production might see an uptick, while those heavily reliant on U.S. imports could face challenges. Investors may closely monitor the election outcomes, as changes in government could lead to shifts in trade policies.
Geopolitical Context
The implications of this article extend to the broader context of U.S.-Canada relations, particularly in how national sentiments can influence foreign policy. As the world grapples with shifting alliances, Canada’s response to U.S. politics could play a role in shaping its international standing.
Use of AI in Journalism
It is possible that AI tools were utilized in crafting the article, particularly in structuring narratives or analyzing public sentiment. However, the human element remains strong, as personal stories are integral to the piece. AI may have influenced the tone or clarity of the article, steering its focus towards emotional engagement.
The article presents a reliable perspective on the evolving relationship between Canadians and the U.S., reflecting genuine public sentiment and potential electoral consequences. The concerns raised by the flower shop owners resonate deeply with a segment of the population, suggesting a significant shift in political dynamics.