Dual citizens in U.S., Canada try to stay positive amid tariff dispute

First At Five connects with dual citizens on both sides of the border to discuss the recent tensions between Canada and the United States.

The ongoing tariff dispute between Canada and the United States has created a tension for the two countries, and few people understand those awkward dynamics better than people who live on both sides of the border.

Sarah Doue is a Sydney, N.S., resident who grew up in Texas, and holds dual citizenship.

“I’m Canadian and American, but if we become the 51st state, am I just American?” Doue asked slightly tongue-in-cheek.

Doue said despite boycotts of some American products, and Canadians standing their ground against tariff threats, everyday people living in the two countries should be able to remain friendly neighbours.

She also noted late-night talk shows have found humour in the situation.

“I was watching late night TV and the talk show host there was saying, ‘Watch out, the Canadians are mad. Like, they’re not even saying sorry,’” Doue said.

Wednesday night, The Daily Show host Jon Stewart spoke about the irony of the Trump administration considering tariffs against a neighbour known for being easy to get along with.

“But Canada? We’re picking a fight with our most reliable and pleasant friend - the Labradoodle of allies?” Stewart said to laughter from the audience.

Beyond the talk show fodder, there has animosity directed at the United States, such as the recent tendency of fans to boo the American national anthem in Canadian National Hockey League arenas.

The strange dynamics have not gone unnoticed by Bryce McNeil, a Prime Brook, N.S., native who is an instructor at the University of Kentucky.

“I have a two-year-old daughter and I have another on the way, who will have dual citizenship, and it’s got us a little bit on pins and needles,” McNeil said.

McNeil said despite any concerns about his family’s dual citizenship situation, the daily chatter from is peers and colleagues is mostly light-hearted.

“They just all want to know, ‘Well, what must you be thinking about this? This all must seem very crazy.’ And yes, it does seem kind of crazy,” McNeil said.

Whatever happens between now and March 4 - the new tariff deadline set by President Trump – Doue and McNeil hope relations between the two countries eventually go back to normal.

“That this kind of tariff standoff that we’re on…maybe doesn’t play out,” Doue said. “Because it would be expensive for both sides.”

“How quickly will (normalcy) happen?” McNeil asked. “I don’t know. I think we’re in unchartered terrain in terms of the reliability of presidential administration.”