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Research and the craft of creative writing

Don’t start a war with Canada

It may seem out of place that I’ve taken a sudden shift in my blogging to go from something creative to something political, but this is one of the tools I have to formulate my thoughts on what is happening in the early days of February 2025.

It’s not a surprise that Canadians are none-too-thrilled with the idea of another Trump presidency in the US. And while we wanted to believe his second term would be as disorganized as his last – we were mistaken. Almost immediately, news of tariffs designed to permanently damage Canada’s economy were handed down by the Trump administration. And it feels like betrayal.

Canadians have always been the friendlier partner to the USA. When they need help, as they often do, we step up as we always have. We saw it during 9/11 and Katrina, and recently with the California wildfires. To help out, then have our neighbour turn around and slap our faces is unprecedented.

It’s been especially bewildering because I heard the news of devastating tariffs while in the UK. Already when I’m abroad, I have a higher sense of national identity. I get confused for an American alot. And believe me, in Scotland, that is a very bad thing. I’m always quick to correct, but this time around (after getting asked if I was American three times in one day), I wasn’t feeling polite anymore, I was angry.

Canadian unity

People are always surprised that Canadians have an intense feeling of national unity. Compared to the constant flag-waving, pledges of allegiance, and intense musical patriotism of the US, Canada seems quiet and disconnected from their culture by comparison. But that’s not true. Someone on my social media feed remarked, “If your country demands a pledge of allegiance it’s basically fucked.”

Canadians care deeply about their identity, winning hockey games, and eating kale salads (more on this later). We know that the US doesn’t care all that much about us, like an older brother who is of legal drinking age and has a car now (yet still borrows gas money). But to see that mask come off, and suddenly they are talking about economic collapse and invasions – obviously, we aren’t going to let that shit slide.

Canadians are bat-shit crazy

It’s a strange contrast living in the UK because by comparison, Canadians are bat-shit crazy. We are insane. The Brits like order, life at a measurable pace, and not too much confrontation. And sometimes, Canadians like this too. But we also like to launch ourselves off mountains, drive on ice, regularly speed, drink too much, curse too much, and play a sport where people get punched while wearing skates. When pushed, we are an unspoken united team ready to throw gloves, and we become ungovernable. Kind of like fans at a Scottish football match against England.

At my supervisor meeting, we were chatting about the impending trade threats, and she was surprised at how eager Canada was to take on the US in a tariff war. For the UK, the Americans are viewed as intimidating and callous, so pissing them off means confrontation, which upsets the Brits in their natural habitat of avoiding rude people. But, as a Canadian, I have zero fear of Americans and life in a climate of -40C has prepared me for calling bullshit on a lot of things. We move fast. And we bite back. When I travel to the US, it’s mind-numbing how willing they are to accept utter shit, like still signing credit card slips, and claim it’s great. Their systems are slow, their rules are arbitrary, and their population often feels powerless in the face of an omnipresent government keen to oppress them. Every time they rise up, they get beaten back down. They are born repeating a mantra that they are the greatest nation on earth, while their country simultaneously bashes them all in the face, or kneels on their throats. It doesn’t sound great to me.

In my social media posts, it’s been a bit of a surprise to find Americans in my comments typing: Godspeed, Canada. It feels very, “too you from failing hands, we throw the torch.” Maybe it’s time Canada shows America what we’re made of, and what national unity feels like since US politicians can’t do shit about it. There’s a reason we’re putting our elbow’s up (a defensive move so you don’t get your teeth knocked out at high speed, in case you’re wondering.)

Master of the letter

Of course, I’m insane too. I’m part of those misfit rebel crazy canucks, and there are really only two things I’m good at: making friends and writing letters.

I am a master at the political letter. Charming, yet persistent. Flattering, yet demanding. I charm and disarm. And you might be surprised how often I get what I ask for. Letters are my jam, so of course, I had to take up my post with a trade war looming. One day, maybe the world will get to see how I’ve influenced many government policies and programs through letter writing. I’ve probably written over a hundred.

Below you’ll find some of the things I’ve done to advocate for Canadian interests, including a summary of a few of the letters I wrote in the day prior to incoming tariffs. I’ll keep this blog updated with more details of my activities to weather the storm ahead.

A message for Canadian students abroad

Let’s find each other and support one another! I’m starting a Canadian student society with EUSA at the University of Edinburgh, so Join the email list!

Stream Canadian artists

“From the ground up, from the people, turn the sound up like we mean it. Rise up, oh rise up.”

Arkell's

Listen:

Get the playlist

Stay informed

Watch the CBC for news and updates on the status of the American trade war, tariffs, and international markets.

Booing of U.S. anthem continues at Canadian sports events despite tariff pause

The threat of U.S. tariffs has some Canadians taking their money elsewhere

This isn’t just a trade spat. North America changed today

Trudeau hits back at the U.S. with big tariffs after Trump launches a trade war

 

What I’m doing

Higher Education

I have written the The Hon. Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, to address international student recruitment. The University of Edinburgh has listed Canada as a top market for attracting researchers pursuing advanced degrees, and now is the time to increase admissions as many Canadian students will no longer be interested in studying in the US. I have requested the following from the Canadian Federal Government:

  • Increase and promote scholarships that are valid for international study, such as the SSHRC and Sir James Lougheed Award.
  • Create a remote talent work program so Canadians can work virtually for the Canadian Federal Government while studying in the UK with no work hour restrictions (this could be reciprocal, so UK students studying in Canada can also benefit)
  • Develop a database of Canadian employers with UK offices that need part-time or casual workers

I have also asked the Canadian Government to lobby the United Kingdom to do the following:

  • Increase the student visa work hour restriction from 20 hours to 28 hours weekly for Canadians
  • Retain the Graduate Visa to allow Canadians to work in the UK for up to 3 years to gain international work experience
  • Honour US university acceptances and allow Canadian students to transfer to the UK

 

The University of Edinburgh Senior Leadership Team

I have written to the Principal of the University of Edinburgh, Peter Mathieson, and the senior leadership team, effectively informing them of the seriousness of the impending trade war and the implications for Canadian students. I have asked for mental health supports, a Teams channel for Canadian students, and an on-site space where Canadian researchers can gather and support each other.

 

Scotland First Minister

I reached out to Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, and his cabinet, to advocate for attracting Canadian academics, researchers and tourists to Edinburgh. I also spelled his name wrong in the email and had to write back to correct it, which proves I should always eat lunch first before writing these letters. Never write hungry.

 

Canadian Publishing

On Feb 2, I also announced that my company, Radical Bookshop and Press, will cease shipping products to US customers. I am also working on a plan to source a Canadian supplier for printing books, and plan to stop printing products through Ingram’s US facilities.

Furthermore, I have written the Hon. François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, asking that he investigate the legal mechanism to require Canadian book publishing rights be sold separate to the United States. Doing so would protect our cultural interests, allow us to write Canadian content more freely, and not demand that our writing appeal to an American audience.

 

More to come…

I will provide further updates to this post as more ideas come to mind, and I calm down. Add your ideas below in the comments.

 

How to show your support for Canada

  • Buy “anything-but-American” products.
  • Email your MP’s to request increasing Canadian products on store shelves
  • Stop eating that American chlorinated chicken you all hate so much
  • Change all travel plans to the United States and its territories
  • Avoid US-based news channels or media
  • Delete or suspend your Twitter/X account
  • Unfollow Elon Musk, Tesla, and his other investments
  • Follow and support the CBC – the Canadian Broadcast Corporation, and download their app
  • Stream and watch Schitt’s Creek
  • High five Ryan Reynolds if you see him at a football match
  • Display a Canadian flag in your flat, shop window, car, etc.
  • Listen to Nickleback? Maybe that’s too far…
  • Stream this Canadian-UK crossover hit from the 00’s with the Spice Girls and Bryan Adams: When You’re Gone

Helping Canadians in Edinburgh

  • Drink Moosehead and eat poutine at Down The Hatch
  • Go to the Globe Bar on Canada Day (July 1)
  • Visit the Tim Horton’s in Dumferline or Glasgow
  • Shop at lululemon
  • Travel to Canada on study breaks and holidays
  • Avoid buying US-alcohol
  • At Tesco’s, buy Canada Dry ginger-ale, maple syrup, and prawns
  • Eat a kale salad
  • Drink more Irn-Bru
  • Watch more hockey

A note for American students

Now is not the time to reach out to Canadians. It does not matter who you voted for, or which state you are from.

A note for Mexican students

Avocado toast for life. We’ve got you.

A note for everyone else

Do not ask if we are American.

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