Local News
‘Tell Trump to Toque Off’ rally planned in downtown Vancouver Saturday
A group describing itself as ‘pro-Canadian and pro-American’ has organized a demonstration in downtown Vancouver Saturday.
The Tell Trump to Toque Off rally is calling for a “strong, independent Canada” in the face of threats by Trump to impose tariffs on Canadian products and his comments about making Canada the 51st U.S. state.
“A far-right government has come to power in the U.S. and is openly threatening Canada’s sovereignty,” the group says.
“We are calling on all residents of Canada, whether citizens or not, to voice your opposition to this by demonstrating peacefully at your local U.S. consulate or embassy.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Trump is not joking when he says he’d like to make Canada the 51st state, and the U.S. president’s desire to annex this country is related to its supply of critical minerals.
Trudeau made the remarks to more than 100 business, labour, and industry leaders who were invited to an economic summit Friday in Toronto.
Some Canadians, in the face of a growing sentiment to boycott all things American, are responding to the threats by refusing to buy American goods and cancelling travel plans to the U.S.
The rally is set to run Saturday at 2 p.m. in front of the U.S. consulate at 1075 West Pender Street.
“Americans are our friends, our relatives, and our neighbours,” the group says. “Help us celebrate our history of friendship.”
With files from The Canadian Press and Cecilia Hua.
