Steve Scherer

OTTAWA, Reuters – Canadians fear political strife in America will hamper security and economic growth, according to a poll. The result of a protest against vaccinations praised by Trump gripped Ottawa and affected the border.

The Angus Reid Institute survey reveals anxiety that has prompted protests in Canada, along with at the border and in Ottawa. There, police claim that Americans provided a significant amount of financial and organizational support.

Now, in their 13th day of protests in Ottawa, hateful symbols such as the Confederate flag have been a distraction from the peaceful demonstration. These symbols are often associated with Trump supporters’ aggressive populism. Protesters assert that the goal of the protest is not just to repeal vaccine mandates, it is also to overthrow governments.

Bruce Heyman (ex-ambassador to Canada, USA) said that “the success or failure” of the United States would have a significant impact on Canada. He was referring to Bruce Heyman who served as ambassador between 2014-17. “Part of our more extreme politics has moved now to occupy part of Canada today.”

According to the poll 78% of Canadians expressed concern that America’s democracy turmoil would affect their nation’s security and economy. Between Jan. 27-31, which was the date of the Ottawa protests began, the survey included 1,620 Canadians.

Canada has 38 million residents, with two thirds living within 100km (62 mi) of the U.S. Border. The countries are also top trading partners.

Canada’s trade relations with the United States are vital. 75% of Canada’s exports go to its southern neighbour. Canada receives 60% of imports from the United States.

A series of Canadian newspapers published articles about the Jan. 6, 2017 anniversary of the attack on Capitol Hill, Washington.

Canada is less divided than the United States, but it has had a political scene that was more balanced until recently. A good example of this is in vaccine adoption. Nearly 80% of Canadians have had 2 shots of COVID-19, compared to 64% of Americans.

The political landscape has changed, as evident by last week’s dismissal of Erin O’Toole, Conservative opposition leader. This was partly due to her refusal to accept the protest.

Shachi Kurl (Angus Reid president) stated that Canadians generally look to the United States for inspiration and feel like it is not as bad here.

According to her, she stated that while we like to consider ourselves a nation of compromise, friendliness and circumspection (two in five Canadians don’t think so), it is not the case anymore. The poll revealed that 37% of Canadians believe there’s no place for political compromise.

Ottawa police stated Tuesday that they worked closely with Ohio police in tracking down and arresting a suspect for making fake threats.

Marco Mendicino, Canada’s Federal Public Safety Minister, stated Monday that the government will be vigilant against foreign forces and interference.

“A Wake Up Call”

Trump spoke last weekend in support for truckers, calling Justin Trudeau, Liberal Prime Minister, a “far-left lunatic”

According to Angus Reid’s poll, 68% believe that the U.S. can survive Trump’s presidency and 47% think that America is heading towards becoming an authoritarian nation.

Roland Paris, Trudeau’s ex-foreign policy advisor and Professor of International Affairs at University of Ottawa, said that the United States was once a beacon of democracy and is now exporting right-wing sedition towards other democratic countries.

Paris declared that the protest in Ottawa was a wake-up call. “The more bad things happen in America, the worse it will be for Canada.”

Gerry Butts is Vice Chairman of Eurasia Group, and was previously Trudeau’s top adviser.

He stated that Canada would be “in the long-term like everybody else… severely damaged if America becomes a democracy only in the name.”

($1 = 1.2661 Canadian dollars)