Canadian pride has stretched beyond borders, as Americans rallied together over the weekend in support of their northern neighbours amid ongoing trade disputes.
Hundreds of Detroit residents lined up across the edge of the Detroit river on Saturday to voice their displeasure with U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on Canadian goods. Cheers and shouts reverberated through the Hart Plaza rally, which mirrored another smaller demonstration happening directly across on the Canadian riverfront, with both sides standing strong in rejecting the U.S. administration’s threats of tariffs and annexation.
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Captured on video by the Detroit Free Press, the local newspaper said that alongside the U.S.’s tense relationship with Canada, protesters were also motivated by issues like the future of social security, federal job cuts, the Ukraine war, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk being close allies to the president.
American protesters also banded together to sing “O Canada” as they waved signage and flags, prompting Canadians to express their appreciation for the support online.
“Thank you to Detroit and all of our American friends. Our issues are not with you,” one TikTok user commented.
“This is how our countries should be towards each other,” another user said.
“As a Canadian thank you for the respect,” another commented on the platform. “Let’s be friendly neighbours and respect each other.”
ELBOWS UP RALLY IN TORONTO
Meanwhile in Toronto, the Elbows Up rally was held on Saturday at Nathan Phillips Square, an event meant to celebrate Canada’s strength, unity, and resilience.
Canadians hold an, “Elbows Up” protest against U.S. tariffs and other policies by Donald Trump, at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto, Ontario, Canada March 22, 2025. Photography for @Reuters pic.twitter.com/QSc0UiVFDZ
— Carlos Osorio (@carlososorio) March 22, 2025
The phrase “elbows up” has become a response to Trump’s tariff threats and remarks about Canada becoming America’s 51st state, and blew up online after Canadian comedian and actor Mike Myers mouthed the words to the camera during his Mar. 1 appearance on Saturday Night Live.
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Mayor Olivia Chow joined hundreds of Canadians adorned in red and white at the rally to emphasize Canada’s independence and strength.
“Canadians work together. We look after each other. We prefer kindness, not hate. We embrace, we don’t divide. We build bridges, not burn them,” the mayor posted on X on Saturday.
“And when we’re attacked, we stand together.”
In the face of Trump's senseless trade war, the City of Toronto is stepping up with our "Love Local" campaign to give a boost to local businesses and workers.
— Mayor Olivia Chow 🇨🇦 (@MayorOliviaChow) March 22, 2025
Great to join @PaulaFletcherTO, @TABIANews and @RiversideBIA on Queen East this morning.
More:https://t.co/BkyDhI70Qq pic.twitter.com/EPvq5X6JIm
Hours prior to the parade, the City of Toronto also launched “Love Local,” an initiative encouraging residents to support Canadian-made products and businesses in response to the effects of Trump’s tariffs which she described as “senseless.”
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