NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. – Canadians and Americans visiting Niagara Falls, Ont., are voicing both cautious hope and deep skepticism over a looming trade deal between the two countries.
“I think the whole thing is kind of ridiculous,” said Massachusetts resident Hannah Herrera. “We should have a good relationship with Canada, and … it’s really sad that it’s come to this, but we hope that it’s over soon.”
John Herrera echoes his wife’s opinion but is less optimistic that a deal will hold.
“I hope it’s over and I hope it doesn’t happen again, but we’ve gone through this multiple times,” John Herrera said.
Canadian Chuck Henderson is also skeptical, noting that U.S. President Donald Trump has reversed course in the past when it comes to tariffs.
“He goes one way one day, and then three weeks later, he goes, ‘oh that was the worst deal ever,’” Henderson said. “So, who knows what’s gonna happen.”
With the cost of living high in both countries, some visitors are hopeful a deal could ease financial pressure.
“The price of everything has gone up, so yeah, we definitely would prefer if our government made some different choices,” said Adrienne Forken, an American from Rochester, N.Y.
Experts say concessions in any deal are inevitable, which according to Montreal resident Louis Fachimi, sounds like a reasonable trade-off.
“Maybe we should give some concessions, and they give some concessions, and we can get some middle term to end this battle,” he said.
Others though worry about how much Canada might have to give up, and whether American products produced with lower standards will be allowed into the Canadian market.
“We’ve got the right guy in charge to get us a better deal than we would’ve gotten otherwise,” said Elizabeth Wenniock of Newmarket, Ont., referring to Prime Minister Mark Carney. “But yeah, we need to stand firm on all of our standards to keep them high.”
Even with a deal appearing imminent, many Canadians at the Falls said they’d be fine with the government continuing to fight for the country’s interests.
“If it doesn’t work for both of us, then let’s not do it,” said Mary McIntyre. “We don’t wanna play this administration’s game. (Trump’s) toxic as far as I’m concerned.”
Marva Campbell says Canadians should keep fighting to stand up for its interests and values.
“We can fight,” she said. “We are Canadians and we’re not fighting. I think we can do more. We have more power than we actually use,” she said.
But after roughly 18 months of trade turmoil, people like John Dickinson of Newmarket are simply fed up.
“Just play like nice children in the sandbox,” he said.
