The towering Peace Arch monument, standing on the Canada-U.S. border between Surrey, B.C., and Blaine, Wash., bears two inscriptions: “Kids of a Frequent Mom” on the U.S. facet, and “Brethren Dwelling Collectively in Unity” on the Canadian facet.
On Saturday morning, dozens of residents from each international locations gathered at its base for a rally calling for unity and friendship amid rising tensions between Canada and the U.S.
Attendees held indicators condemning U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated remarks about annexing Canada because the 51st state, whereas others sang songs and chanted slogans, hoping diplomacy and goodwill would prevail over the strained relations between the 2 neighbours.
Amongst them, a trio from the Bellingham-based activist group Raging Grannies devoted a tune to the bond between the 2 nations.
“We perceive the scenario and help the belongings you do, the fashion you’re feeling is actually simply, although we’ll miss you till it is over…” they sang.
Haidee Landry, one of many occasion’s organizers from Langley, B.C., stated the gathering, dubbed the “Peace, Love, and a Handshake” rally, was about exhibiting solidarity whereas making it clear that Canada will stay a robust and sovereign nation.
“We would like them to nonetheless come … come for a espresso, come for a meal, we nonetheless love you,” she stated of B.C.’s American neighbours. “However we do not wish to stay with you, we do not wish to be your roommates.”
Landry added that many Individuals she has spoken to disagree with the steps taken by the Trump administration and have voiced their help for Canada. However Canadians, she stated, are agency of their resolution to keep away from cross-border journey as an act of resistance.
In the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the nine-hectare Peace Arch park that straddles the forty ninth parallel served as a loophole for family members separated by border closures. Now, Landry stated, the park is as soon as once more a gathering place for these searching for frequent floor.
Mary Lou Steward, mayor of Blaine, Wash., a border city of about 6,200, stated the choice by many Canadians to keep away from getting into the U.S. is already taking an financial toll.
“Persons are seeing their enterprise down 30 per cent,” stated Steward, who was additionally in attendance. “We worth the Canadians coming throughout, I perceive they’re indignant … we’ll get past this, we’ll work arduous to restore the connection, which this monument stands for.”
Len Saunders, an immigration lawyer in Blaine, stated the absence of Canadian consumers is putting.
“That is like COVID once more,” he advised CBC Information throughout an interview earlier this week. “You’ll be able to see it within the Costco parking zone, at Dealer Joe’s. Canadians are voting with their wallets proper now. That is what’s taking place.”
Latest knowledge from U.S. Customs and Border Safety exhibits a pointy decline in cross-border journey, with practically 500,000 fewer Canadian travellers getting into the U.S. in February in comparison with the identical month final 12 months.
The variety of B.C. drivers heading south via the Peace Arch border crossing has additionally dropped considerably this 12 months, in accordance with knowledge from the Whatcom Council of Governments. A rolling 30-day common of crossings via the border exhibits about a 25 per cent decrease in comparison with 2024.
As Trump’s speak of tariffs and annexation proceed, knowledge exhibits British Columbians are selecting to cross into the U.S. much less. Justin McElroy examined the numbers and located a 25 per cent lower in B.C. automobiles heading south over the previous month, with some days seeing as much as a 50 per cent decline in comparison with final 12 months.
“We’re solely two months right into a four-year administration. In the event that they preserve this up there will likely be no Canadians coming down right here — there will likely be a 100 per cent boycott of this nation,” Saunders stated.
For some attendees Saturday, the rally was a method to push again in opposition to the rhetoric coming from Washington, D.C.
“I’m sorry, Canada … most of us don’t agree with what Trump is doing,” stated Jim Kosa, a Bellingham resident. “It is atrocious the way in which that my nation is treating Canada.”
Because the rally wrapped up, attendees shaped a line and shook palms, mirroring a sort of postgame handshake.
Landry stated the occasion will return subsequent weekend to maintain the dialogue open and reaffirm their dedication to sustaining the friendship between the 2 nations.
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