'Girl Guides of Canada' Stops All US Trips Over Donald Trump's Border crackdown
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The Girl Guides of Canada group has temporarily stopped all of its trips to the U.S. over concerns about President Donald Trump's border crackdown.
The youth organization told multiple outlets it would pause its travel to America, stating that it was concerned that non-Canadian citizens might encounter difficulties entering the country.
Newsweek contacted the group by email to comment on this story.
Why It Matters
Canada and America's relationship has deteriorated since Trump took office in January. Trump has repeatedly pushed Canada to join the U.S. and called it the 51st state. The Trump administration has also implemented numerous tariffs on Canada.
An Air Canada Plane is seen at Harry Reid Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada.
An Air Canada Plane is seen at Harry Reid Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Photo by: STRF/STAR MAX/IPx 2025 6/14/25
The changing relationship has impacted travel between the two nations. Canadian citizens have been told to "expect scrutiny" when crossing into the U.S. amid reports about people having their phones searched at the border and other travel difficulties.
Meanwhile in June Trump announced a travel ban restricting travel by people from 12 countries and partially restricting entry for travelers from an additional seven countries. While Canada was not on the list, the Girl Guides expressed concerns about members of their group who hold citizenship from non-Canadian countries.
What To Know
The group did not say how long the pause, which will apply to previously approved and future trips, will last. Previously approved trips will be rerouted to alternative destinations.
It comes amid other signs that travel from Canada to the U.S. is declining. According to aviation analytics provider OAG, forward bookings from Canada to the U.S. have fallen by more than 70 percent for every month through to the end of September compared to the same period last year.
And according to data from Statistics Canada, there was a 32 percent drop in the number of Canadians who took road trips into the U.S. in March 2025 compared to March 2024.
The data said there was also a 13.5 percent decline in air travelers from Canada in a year.
What People Are Saying
Mark Shanahan, who teaches American politics at the University of Surrey in the U.K. told Newsweek: "While on the surface, the Canadian Girl Guides' decision seems a cautiously inevitable response to overzealous policing of the USA's northern border, there is something much more fundamental beneath it. Quite simply, Donald Trump has no conception of what friendship means. Trump does not have friends. He's surrounded by sycophants who bend to his will, and expects the same from people, institutions and countries outside his immediate circle. His relationships are based on power and transactional dealmaking but are also subject to his fickle and capricious nature.
"As its northern neighbor, Canada should be the USA's strongest ally. But Trump has targeted it for subjugation and has reacted particularly angrily to the new Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney's decision to stand up to Trump's bullying. The strong, close relationship built on trust is fracturing rapidly. The Girl Guides' action once again demonstrates just how deep the antipathy now is between Canada and 47's America."
Speaking to CityNews, the Girl Guides of Canada said: "This decision is rooted in our commitment to inclusivity and the safety of all our members. It was prompted by the recent restrictions put on equal entry into the United States, as some members may hold citizenship from non-Canadian countries and could be impacted by the restrictions."
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on X that he is "disappointed" by Trump's move to increase certain tariffs from 25 to 35 percent: "President Trump has announced that the United States will increase its tariffs to 35 percent on those Canadian exports that are not covered under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, or CUSMA."
Government of Canada's traveler advice: "U.S. authorities strictly enforce entry requirements. Expect scrutiny at ports of entry, including of electronic devices … if you are denied entry, you could be detained while awaiting deportation."
What Happens Next
The Girl Guides of Canada said its decision is effective September 1.
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