Canada's Anti-Americanism Lies Just Beneath the Surface: An Opinion Piece

A Peek into Canada's Hidden Anti-Americanism

Columnist Rick Salutin sheds light on the long-buried yet lingering anti-American sentiment in Canada, keenly observing that this election has provided an unprecedented opportunity for this sentiment to rise to the surface.

It's not our Latino neighbors' casual "go home, yanquis," but a furtive flash of disdain that surfaces every now and then. Despite the shared history of American dominance, there's been no therapeutic rupture or revolution-like rejection of American influence that took place in the U.S. during its separation from England.

Instead, the pent-up resentment finds release in various forms: hostile confrontations with foreign enemies in wars (Boer War, First and Second World Wars), or aggressive displays on the hockey rink. A friend from Newfoundland in the 1960s admitted to Salutin a lifelong hatred for "Canadians" that she'd never expressed, harkening back to a time when Canada was still a distant memory.

In the 1960s, a U.S. TV show hosted by conservative figure William F. Buckley Jr. discussed the surge of anti-Americanism in Canada. The hosts were critical of U.S. corporate takeovers, American anticommunism, and the murders of Vietnamese kids. This depth of anti-American sentiment has remained undercurrents in Canadian society, surfacing sporadically.

This undercurrent isn't just about immediate threats from Trump. It's an emotional and symbolic nexus in U.S.-Canada relations that's always been there. Many Canadians harbor a deep suspicion of U.S. power and intentions, but they aren't encouraged to express it. If we have an official ideology, it's pro-U.S. These hidden forces often play a crucial role in shaping public events, like elections, as seen in the approach of Liberal Leader and Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Carney has become the voice of these buried sentiments, asserting that the relationship with the U.S. won't return to its previous state because our values no longer align. He also insisted that "the Americans" aren't our friends. This frankness resonates with Canadians, who are accustomed to politicians mincing words.

Competence is Carney's main weapon. Unlike his opponents, Carney doesn't rely on experts or consultants. He writes his own talking points, a trait that sets him apart from this system where experts tend to dominate officials. Carney is the change that Canadians who seek it are looking for.

Political discourse is subjective, reflecting the author's interpretation and analysis of events and facts.

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Historically, anti-Americanism in Canada dates back to fears of U.S. territorial expansion and ideological differences, including post-War of 1812 resentment and the American Civil War's bloodshed. Key figures like Thomas D'Arcy McGee and Sir John A. Macdonald emphasized parliamentary democracy during Confederation debates, pushing the notion of Canada as a bulwark against American republicanism. In the 20th century, Canadian intellectuals like Margaret Atwood portrayed the U.S. as a threat to cultural values.

Anti-Americanism has been utilized by Canadian leaders for various purposes. Pierre Trudeau's "Third Option" policy aimed to reduce American economic influence, resonating with citizens wary of U.S. dominance. On the other hand, mixed perceptions of anti-Americanism persist, with accusations levied against both Liberal and Conservative governments.

Recent trends continue to highlight anti-Americanism's enduring significance in Canadian politics. Agitated by U.S. tariffs during the Trump era, Canada threatened consumer boycotts, demonstrating a willingness to employ economic nationalism. Anti-Americanism remains a useful tool for political differentiation, with parties frequently invoking it to rally support, especially in debates over free trade agreements.

In a recent column, Rick Salutin explored the lingering anti-American sentiment in Canada that has been sporadically surfacing over the years.
This sentiment, which predates the current political climate, has roots in historical fears of U.S. territorial expansion and ideological differences, such as post-War of 1812 resentment and the American Civil War's bloodshed.
Canadian politicians like Pierre Trudeau have used anti-Americanism as a tool for political differentiation, with his "Third Option" policy aimed at reducing American economic influence.
Media coverage of the Canadian political scene has often touched upon the topic of anti-Americanism, with columnists offering their interpretations of its role in shaping Canadian politics.
Carney, the Liberal Leader and Prime Minister, has become a voice of these buried sentiments, asserting that the relationship with the U.S. won't return to its previous state due to divergent values.
The media's portrayal of Carney as a change-maker who writes his own talking points, rather than relying on experts or consultants, resonates with Canadians accustomed to politicians mincing words.
Despite the shared history and close relationship between the U.S. and Canada, anti-Americanism continues to be a significant aspect of the Canadian political landscape, shaping public opinion and general news discussions.