Canada - USA Trade War commencing March 2025 #3

[LovesPeace2]

Trade war hits ‘Canada-reliant’ Point Roberts stores

Price hikes, weak visitor demand create a challenging landscape for local businesses

www.biv.com

Around 70 per cent of the land and homes in Point Roberts are owned by people from British Columbia, said Lyle, who estimates that 90 per cent of the boats at the marina are also owned by Canadians.

“I doubt there’s another place, anywhere in America, that is more Canadian than Point Roberts,” he said. However, it seems that trade tensions have stopped British Columbians from crossing the border.

“Businesses are down at least 50 per cent over last February, March,” said Lyle. “The Pier Restaurant on Sunday brought in $50.”

Also on March 9, a Point Roberts souvenir shop known for its rubber duck museum made only $4 in gross sales

 

[Sillybilly]

Trade war hits ‘Canada-reliant’ Point Roberts stores

Price hikes, weak visitor demand create a challenging landscape for local businesses

www.biv.com

Around 70 per cent of the land and homes in Point Roberts are owned by people from British Columbia, said Lyle, who estimates that 90 per cent of the boats at the marina are also owned by Canadians.

“I doubt there’s another place, anywhere in America, that is more Canadian than Point Roberts,” he said. However, it seems that trade tensions have stopped British Columbians from crossing the border.

“Businesses are down at least 50 per cent over last February, March,” said Lyle. “The Pier Restaurant on Sunday brought in $50.”

Also on March 9, a Point Roberts souvenir shop known for its rubber duck museum made only $4 in gross sales

Perhaps we can just take a Mexican (i.e. non-USA) sharpie and blip that imaginary border down a smidge to bring Point Roberts into the fold

IMO, trade tensions combined with fear of apprehensions the likes of what happened to the Canadian woman who spent 10+ days in prison based on the January 20 Executive Order "Securing our Borders", which says in part, in DT's own words (?), "... A nation without borders is not a nation, and the Federal Government must act with urgency and strength to end the threats posed by an unsecured border ...".

ETA: (Corrected ^^ "up a smidge" to "down a smidge")

 

[SouthAussie]

Trade war hits ‘Canada-reliant’ Point Roberts stores

Price hikes, weak visitor demand create a challenging landscape for local businesses

www.biv.com

Around 70 per cent of the land and homes in Point Roberts are owned by people from British Columbia, said Lyle, who estimates that 90 per cent of the boats at the marina are also owned by Canadians.

“I doubt there’s another place, anywhere in America, that is more Canadian than Point Roberts,” he said. However, it seems that trade tensions have stopped British Columbians from crossing the border.

“Businesses are down at least 50 per cent over last February, March,” said Lyle. “The Pier Restaurant on Sunday brought in $50.”

Also on March 9, a Point Roberts souvenir shop known for its rubber duck museum made only $4 in gross sales

I had to look at where Point Roberts is (not being a Canadian). It sure is floating all by itself out there, not connected to any US soil.

The map is for the benefit of others who, like me, didn't know exactly where it is.


Google maps

 

[SouthAussie]

News outlets that released Trump's statement about joining the Commonwealth need to publish the Commonwealth Principles alongside facts where the USA violates those principles. Readers can decide the truth on that basis.

I think they are suggesting an "associate membership". Not a full blown one. But that is getting missed in some MSM.


The King is reportedly preparing to extend the offer of “associate membership” in the voluntary association of 56 nations ....

MSN

 

[Herat]

Oh I was incorrect

King Charles invited Trump to visist him in Scotland this year, not in London, as before.

Not really specifying Balmoral ( I hope he doesn't mean Balmoral). Maybe to Dumfries House, which the King supports very much and had restored. Then they can go golfing at St Andrews and end the visit. Or Edinburgh Castle or Holyrood Palace ( a lovely dour medieval place to put Trump )

Access Restricted

 

[Kudzuu]

I had to look at where Point Roberts is (not being a Canadian). It sure is floating all by itself out there, not connected to any US soil.

The map is for the benefit of others who, like me, didn't know exactly where it is.

View attachment 572991
Google maps

We need to give that to Canada. They do not deserve what is happening.

 

[Sillybilly]

MSN

Trump weighs in on report King Charles will offer U.S. membership to British Commonwealth: ‘Sounds good!’​

In the video clip, the invite Starmer brought was just to a second state visit, not anything to do with membership in the Commonwealth.

So a White House correspondent references "after a media outlet reported that" LOL, what media outlet?

"The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent". IMO, the
"Sounds good to me" was about an unprecedented second state visit, not about any offer of membership.

Unprecedented times. King Charles is certainly not a stupid man and probably knows that flattery (unprecedented 2nd state visit) will get you a tremendous amount of mileage with some people. Thus an earlier reference to (iirc) a "charm offensive".

JMO

 

[otto]

I think they are suggesting an "associate membership". Not a full blown one. But that is getting missed in some MSM.


The King is reportedly preparing to extend the offer of “associate membership” in the voluntary association of 56 nations ....

MSN

The USA was invited in 2017 as an associate member, then nothing. Is this a new invitation? From whom? Who in the USA will acknowledge the King of England? Who is going to sing God Save the King, or hang a photo of King Charles in the Oval Office?

This is absurd. I can easily see that Trump expects to partially join the Commonwealth, where he will then demand authority and control over the Commonwealth. That's easy to understand. I do not see the USA government adhering to the values and principles of the Commonwealth. Trump just passed law in Alaska that intentionally violates all environmental reports since 2017 so he can get oil.

"Donald Trump has suggested he will sign the United States up as an “associate member” of the Commonwealth because of his “love” for the King.
...

The RCS is described as “non-partisan [and] independent of governments”, and aims to promote literacy, equality, and protecting the environment throughout the Commonwealth.
...

There is no precedent for “associate membership” of the Commonwealth. All 56 countries that are currently part of the “family of nations” are full members described as “independent and equal”. ...

Countries must also comply with the Commonwealth’s “fundamental values, principles, and priorities” including being a democracy, having transparent public accounts, protection of human rights, and acknowledge the King as Head of the Commonwealth. ...

If a country wishes to apply, via an invitation or otherwise, it must make an expression of interest and undertake an “informal assessment” by the Commonwealth’s Secretary-General.

The Secretary-General will then consult with member states, and may invite a formal application which requires evidence of the “functioning of democratic processes and popular support in that country for joining the Commonwealth”. The application would then be considered by the Heads of Government at the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which takes place every two years. ...

The RCS has not yet responded to a request for comment on the story."

Access Restricted

 

[SouthAussie]

The USA was invited in 2017 as an associate member, then nothing. Is this a new invitation? From whom? Who in the USA will acknowledge the King of England? Who is going to sing God Save the King, or hang a photo of King Charles in the Oval Office?

This is absurd. I can easily see that Trump expects to partially join the Commonwealth, where he will then demand authority and control over the Commonwealth. That's easy to understand. I do not see the USA government adhering to the values and principles of the Commonwealth. Trump just passed law in Alaska that intentionally violates all environmental reports since 2017 so he can get oil.

"Donald Trump has suggested he will sign the United States up as an “associate member” of the Commonwealth because of his “love” for the King.
...

The RCS is described as “non-partisan [and] independent of governments”, and aims to promote literacy, equality, and protecting the environment throughout the Commonwealth.
...

There is no precedent for “associate membership” of the Commonwealth. All 56 countries that are currently part of the “family of nations” are full members described as “independent and equal”. ...

Countries must also comply with the Commonwealth’s “fundamental values, principles, and priorities” including being a democracy, having transparent public accounts, protection of human rights, and acknowledge the King as Head of the Commonwealth. ...

If a country wishes to apply, via an invitation or otherwise, it must make an expression of interest and undertake an “informal assessment” by the Commonwealth’s Secretary-General.

The Secretary-General will then consult with member states, and may invite a formal application which requires evidence of the “functioning of democratic processes and popular support in that country for joining the Commonwealth”. The application would then be considered by the Heads of Government at the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which takes place every two years. ...

The RCS has not yet responded to a request for comment on the story."

Access Restricted

I completely get what you are saying, and your disquiet about it.

As I said earlier, I think it is just a move to TRY to bring the US back into the fold of democracies. And it is likely not going to work. Trump and "his people" seem bound and determined to make the US into an autocracy.

But it is/was worth a try.

imo

 

[otto]

The USA gov't has to first stop attacking Canada, Greenland and Panama before it can be considered to have any association with the Commonwealth. The USA gov't might sign documents agreeing to adhere to Commonwealth principles, but the USA is known for dis-honouring agreements they sign. Nothing they put in writing can be trusted.

Is Trump attempting to intimidate King Charles by stating that he will step in and take over the Commonwealth? Will 56 nations agree to an affiliation with a country that is quickly moving towards authoritarian dictatorship?

If King Charles states that the USA must make big changes to meet Commonwealth principles, what will Trump do next? He likes retaliation.

 

[otto]

I completely get what you are saying, and your disquiet about it.

As I said earlier, I think it is just a move to TRY to bring the US back into the fold of democracies. And it is likely not going to work. Trump and "his people" seem bound and determined to make the US into an autocracy.

But it is/was worth a try.

imo

I have doubts that this is coming from King Charles, or the Commonwealth. It might be from the UK government, but the rule is that first the country has to adhere to principles, then it can join. Inviting countries to join because someone hopes they will adopt Commonwealth principles is absurd.

The USA listens to know one. They are a country with a grandiose belief that they are superior to all others. They dictate, everyone else is supposed to listen. That will never change.

 

[SouthAussie]

The USA gov't has to first stop attacking Canada, Greenland and Panama before it can be considered to have any association with the Commonwealth. The USA gov't might sign documents agreeing to adhere to Commonwealth principles, but the USA is known for dis-honouring agreements they sign. Nothing they put in writing can be trusted.

Is Trump attempting to intimidate King Charles by stating that he will step in and take over the Commonwealth? Will 56 nations agree to an affiliation with a country that is quickly moving towards authoritarian dictatorship?

If King Charles states that the USA must make big changes to meet Commonwealth principles, what will Trump do next? He likes retaliation.

They tried the associate member thing on Trump in 2017 as well. It didn't fly.

I have read in more than one place that it might be to try to help Canada, not hurt it. Specifically with Trump's spouting off about "51st state".

I think it should be noted that this hasn't been offered to any other US president (that I am aware of). Perhaps because there was no need to try to pull the US back into a democracy with anyone else.

imo


While it's not clear if the U.S. would definitely join the Commonwealth, neighbors Canada are part of the group of nations, and at a time of heightened cross-border tensions, being part of the same collective could help ease matters.

Donald Trump suggests US could join British Commonwealth

"I Love King Charles," the president said in a Truth Social post.

www.newsweek.com

 

[Sillybilly]

I'm having a good cop / bad cop chuckle here. While this may be more appropriate in the Russia / Ukraine thread, it ties in with how King Charles is interacting with the US, while William, the future king, is sending a message as it relates to Russia.

from: Prince William sends message from tank near Russian border on Estonia trip

If royal visits are about sending a message, then the picture of the Prince of Wales in a tank near the Russian border must be one of the most direct.

 

[Trooper]

This is all starting to resemble the goings on at the court of the Mad King Ludwig 2 of Bavaria.. fantasy, mythmaking, invented enemies, a desire to impose culture ( a la Trump and the Kennedy Centre).. building weird castles, one after the other, depleting the treasury... creating great victories out of nothing, shooting off orders and edicts, and programs , and theories, and announcements and shoutings.... parading and stomping about , calling midnight meetings,,

“I want to remain an eternal mystery to myself and others”, stated King Ludwig II of Bavaria...'

Finally as what could be foreseen, when people have had enough, steps are taken.....someone got up on their hind legs and had a medical report done...

'On June 10th 1886, a medical report declared that the king was, “Suffering from such a disorder, freedom of action can no longer be allowed, and Your Majesty is declared incapable of ruling, which incapacity will be not only for a year’s duration but for the length of Your Majesty’s life”.

Not that it helped the doctor much, he upon delivering this ultimatum to Ludwig, , perhaps ill advised, went for a stroll around the lake with Ludwig to take the air ...both their bodies were discovered some hours later........

 

[Trooper]

They tried the associate member thing on Trump in 2017 as well. It didn't fly.

I have read in more than one place that it might be to try to help Canada, not hurt it. Specifically with Trump's spouting off about "51st state".

I think it should be noted that this hasn't been offered to any other US president (that I am aware of). Perhaps because there was no need to try to pull the US back into a democracy with anyone else.

imo


While it's not clear if the U.S. would definitely join the Commonwealth, neighbors Canada are part of the group of nations, and at a time of heightened cross-border tensions, being part of the same collective could help ease matters.

Donald Trump suggests US could join British Commonwealth

"I Love King Charles," the president said in a Truth Social post.

www.newsweek.com

Charles would gain a <modsnip: Stop name calling> and lose 56 other members.. Don't forget, Trump has kicked the South African ambassador out, imagine if he has to face the SA prime minister at CHOGM??

(CHOGM = Commonwealth Heads of Govt. Meeting )

 

[LoveyG]

I completely get what you are saying, and your disquiet about it.

As I said earlier, I think it is just a move to TRY to bring the US back into the fold of democracies. And it is likely not going to work. Trump and "his people" seem bound and determined to make the US into an autocracy.

But it is/was worth a try.

imo

Do not invite him in. He's a vampire.

 

[SouthAussie]

I'm having a good cop / bad cop chuckle here. While this may be more appropriate in the Russia / Ukraine thread, it ties in with how King Charles is interacting with the US, while William, the future king, is sending a message as it relates to Russia.

And - with regards to Canada:

Catherine wearing Canada's red for the Commonwealth Service Day on 10th March
The King wearing his set of Canadian medals while visiting aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales earlier this month
The planting of a maple tree at Buckingham palace
The King sitting on a Canadian chair at the Commonwealth Service
The formal presentation of a Canadian ceremonial sword at Buckingham palace.

All very recent events.

King Charles uses symbols to show support for Canada

The King, who is also head of state of Canada, meets the country's new prime minister Mark Carney amid a trade war with the US.

www.bbc.com

https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/2025367/princess-kate-praised-canadians-commonwealth

 

[SouthAussie]

Do not invite him in. He's a vampire.

Just to be clear, I personally don't want him in. I am guessing at the UK's motivation of trying to keep the US as a democracy. As an ally. Against all odds.

 

[keek]

Just to be clear, I personally don't want him in. I am guessing at the UK's motivation of trying to keep the US as a democracy. As an ally. Against all odds.

I did understand, as you say.

 

[Charlot123]

This is one of the strangest things I've read about the USA. Apparently individual states need federal government oversight before they respect the rights of all. The concern in closing the Federal Department of Education is that states will deny education to persons with disabilities.

What kind of dysfunctional society is this - where people around the country need force to educate all? Which states will deny education to persons with disabilities. They need to be named and shamed!

As long as the USA society refuses to respect the rights of their own citizens, they will never respect the rights of Canadians, Greenlanders, Panamanians, South Africans, Australians, New Zealanders, Ukrainians, and more.

"Trump signed an executive order on Thursday that aims to shut down the Department of Education, the federal agency that ensures states provide all children with equal access to schooling and oversees the $1.6 trillion US college student loan program.​

​

While states have primary jurisdiction over the school systems in the U.S., including over curriculum, the federal department enforces compliance with laws that prohibit discrimination in education and administers funding aimed at boosting educational achievement.​

...​

​

Without federal enforcement of educational access laws, states will be free to decide that "kids who are blind, who are deaf, who have Down's syndrome, who have autism are too expensive to teach," said Keri Rodrigues, founding president of the National Parents Union."​

https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/donald-trump-department-education-explainer-1.7488670

Well, I spoke to a person who grew up in Alaska. (Why people in oil-richest state might be in such a situation, someone who understands economics should explain to me.) But he said that he and his siblings had only two full meals a day, and both, at school.

I don’t know if funds for hot meals at school come from the state or federal departments of education but god forbid, federal. Then they will be gone.