Latest news with #CanadaIsNotforSale
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mike Myers Explains Origins of Recent Canadian Political Activism
As Mike Myers has returned to Saturday Night Live in recent weeks to play Elon Musk, the Canadian comedian has also used his time on the NBC sketch comedy show to support his native country, particularly as President Trump has imposed tariffs and expressed a desire to make Canada America's 51st state. At the end of the March 1 episode, Myers proudly showed off his 'Canada Is Not for Sale' T-shirt and mouthed 'Elbows up' into the camera, twice. In a subsequent appearance, he sported a 'Canadian Tire' shirt during the 'goodnights' segment at the end of the episode. More from The Hollywood Reporter White House Correspondents' Dinner Focuses on Awards, Journalism as Trump Snubs Comic-Free Soirée Luis Ortega on His 'Kill the Jockey' Follow-Up, U.S. Politics and Madrid's Platino Awards: Nobody "Gives a F***, People Don't Like Reading Subtitles" Lilja Ingolfsdottir's 'Loveable' Wins Four Awards, Including for Best Film, as Beijing Fest Closes on a Musical Note The initial act of sartorial diplomacy, Myers said, came as he 'got angrier and angrier' thinking about Trump's comments and tariffs and acted from his heart. 'What happened came from my ankles and from my brain and from my heart, and it was not about me — it was about my country,' Myers told The New York Times in a recent interview. 'I wanted to send a message home to say that I'm with you, you know.' Myers, who's now a U.S. citizen and splits his time between New York and Vermont, said of Trump's moves against Canada, 'What's happened has really hurt our feelings. We love America. We love you guys. We don't understand what this madness is. … Americans are the last people you would think would ever be a threat to us.' After his SNL advocacy, Myers appeared alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in an ad for Canada's Liberal Party, where the comedian wears a jersey that reads 'Never 51.' In the hockey rink-set video, Carney notes that Myers lives in the U.S., but the Wayne's World star says he'll 'always be Canadian.' The PM then quizzes the comedian on Canadian culture. 'I wanted it to be like, 'I know I don't live there anymore, and let's talk about that,'' Myers said of his approach to the ad. 'I thought it would be funny if the prime minister of Canada ran an identity test on me.' Of Carney, Myers said, 'I think he's very reasonable. He's taken a calm, resolute, articulate stance in defense of our sovereignty.' As for Musk, Myers said his involvement in the Trump administration, 'goes against how I feel as a Canadian.' 'We don't have a distrust of the government,' he added. 'We have a belief in good government.' And Myers stressed the value of comedy against political extremism. 'Fascism doesn't like to be ridiculed; it likes to be feared,' he said. 'Satire is an important tool in the toolbox to say that this is not normal — that the cuts he's making are not normal.' Myers' interview comes ahead of Monday's parliamentary election in which Canadians vote for a new government. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2025: Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Sabrina Carpenter and More Hollywood's Highest-Profile Harris Endorsements: Taylor Swift, George Clooney, Bruce Springsteen and More Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2024: Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Olivia Rodrigo and More
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How to handle anti-Americanism abroad
CORRECTION: A previous version of this article said that Tyler Hosford is a regional security manager for International SOS. Hosford is a regional security director. This article has been updated. Originally moved Feb. 25. - - - Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. About 20 miles from the Canada-U.S. border, Paula Opdam stocks her two gift shops with Canadian products. Last week, she placed a large order for one of this year's most popular statement pieces: T-shirts, hats and hoodies that read 'Canada Is Not for Sale.' 'They are going to be huge,' said Opdam, who owns Grant's Gifts and the Picket Fence in Port Colborne, Ontario, a short drive from the Buffalo crossing. The merchandise is not intended to offend her south-of-the-border shoppers, Opdam said by phone between customers. They are a cheeky rebuttal to President Donald Trump's bid to absorb Canada as the 51st state. 'We love our American customers,' Opdam said. Since Trump took office last month, the new administration has released a flurry of foreign-policy plans that could erode good will with allies. International relations experts caution that anti-American sentiment could bubble up, straining interactions between American tourists and residents of the places they visit. 'If there are bilateral problems between governments, then you may see some pushback in the streets,' said Tara Sonenshine, a professor at Tufts University's Fletcher School who served as President Barack Obama's undersecretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs. Trump's vow to reclaim the Panama Canal has sparked impassioned protests in the Central American nation, including the burning of U.S. flags. Travelers in Canada, Mexico and China could catch grief from nationals unhappy about tariffs (real and proposed). Trump's repeated desire to acquire Greenland could dampen the anticipated arrival of the first nonstop flight from Newark to Nuuk, which will debut in June. Diplomacy and travel safety experts have not noticed a spike in animosity toward Americans in Trump's second term. But it's still early, said Tyler Hosford, the regional security director for International SOS, a risk assessment firm. 'It takes time for these things to really shake out,' Hosford said. 'We could get to the other side of the summer and it might not be the same landscape.' Despite the relative calm, Hosford has been hearing from concerned travelers about whether they will be greeted with open - or crossed - arms. His advice to them is to blend in, keep a low profile and don't wear your citizenry on your sleeve. - - - Read the signs of confrontation Violent anti-American demonstrations are rare. In general, travelers will face a more benign strain of dissent. 'There will be people who are certainly not pleased with the American government and with the president in particular,' said Barbara Bodine, director of the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University. 'It doesn't mean they are necessarily hostile to you or to Americans writ large.' Pamela Eyring, president and owner of the Protocol School of Washington, said locals could express their displeasure through their body language, such as by avoiding your glance, frowning or walking away. On the extreme end, Eyring said, they could call you names or toss empty bottles, trash or food in your direction. When out exploring, tourists might notice anti-American graffiti, outdoor murals or posters, or attire with salty slogans. 'Don't take it personally or judge one person's hostile thinking or actions to represent all of their people,' Eyring said. You can never be too cautious, however. Bodine, a former ambassador to Yemen, advises travelers to check resources listed by the U.S. Embassy in their destination for advisories and alerts. 'They will have the best feel,' she said. Sonenshine recommends gauging the pulse through social media, such as Reddit, and local news outlets. A general rule of thumb is to stay clear of large gatherings or marches, even if you identify with the cause. Your foreignness could draw unwanted attention or scrutiny. - - - Deflect political conversations 'Where are you from?' For locals and tourists, the question can be an icebreaker. But your answer can lead to more probing topics. 'They may ask you what is going on, or 'Why is your government doing this to us,'' Bodine said. 'I certainly get those questions when I travel abroad.' Bodine said she does not see any advantage to confronting, defending or trying to explain U.S. affairs, regardless of your political views or affiliation. Her advice is to politely extricate yourself from the situation by telling the interlocutor that you are on holiday and detoxing from the news. If the person persists, she recommends this sample script: 'I'm a tourist. I'm not here as a government representative. I don't speak for my government. Can I just please enjoy my hamburger?' Eyring will pair a smile with an equanimous response, such as 'It's a little chaotic right now, and I'm delighted to be in your country for vacation.' Or, 'Every country has its challenges, including the U.S.' If that doesn't work, try redirecting the conversation toward noncontroversial topics such as the weather, local attractions or restaurant recommendations. Or ask them about their connection to the destination. Reciprocate the 'Where are you from?' question. If the exchange turns heated, excuse yourself and leave the premises. 'Safety supersedes etiquette,' said Daniel Post Senning, the great-great grandson of Emily Post and a co-author of several etiquette books. - - - Don't pretend to be from somewhere else To avoid a potential conflict, you might be tempted to assume another nationality. Experts advise against falsely claiming another identity, a practice that traces back to the Vietnam War era, when U.S. travelers sewed Canadian patches onto their backpacks. 'It's hard to cover up your Americanness in this world,' Senning said. 'Rather than try to mask it, make an effort to be a good guest.' Etiquette specialists such as Senning and Eyring say basic manners, common courtesy and cultural sensitivity can act as a balm. For example, learn a few key phrases in the country's language, especially polite words like 'please' and 'thank you.' Practice greeting customs. Dress neutrally, not patriotically. Skip the garments with offensive or incendiary slogans. Avoid loud behaviors, such as taking video calls in public places. Respect the traditional meal and prayer times. In other words, be an exemplary visitor, above reproach. 'The things that make you a bad traveler, to use a term from the [20th century], an 'Ugly American,' are remarkably consistent,' Hosford said. 'But the stakes are higher in environments where there's more tension, more stress and more pressure.' Related Content Who is the real Hank Azaria? For a while, even he didn't know. After Trump threats, Hong Kong firm to sell stake in Panama Canal ports Federal workers haunted by Oklahoma City bombing fear Trump's barbs
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mike Myers makes statement on ‘Saturday Night Live' about Donald Trump's plans for Canada
Mike Myers made a pointed statement on 'Saturday Night Live' about Donald Trump's plans for Canada. The actor, 61, was on the 1 March episode of the show – wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the Canadian flag and the slogan 'Canada Is Not for Sale'. Mike took to the stage alongside host Shane Gillis, musical guest Tate McRae and the rest of the cast as the credits rolled in his top. He was seen repeatedly adjusting his vest to highlight the slogan on his shirt – a response to former US president Donald Trump's recent comments suggesting Canada should become America's '51st state'. Trump, 78, has made several remarks in recent weeks about the prospect of Canada merging with the US, including in a post on Truth Social last month. He wrote: 'Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State,' before adding: 'If Canada merged with the U.S., there would be no tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE from the threat of the Russian and Chinese Ships that are constantly surrounding them. Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!' During his 'SNL' appearance, Mike also appeared to mouth the phrase 'elbows up' to the camera while pointing to his elbows. The expression, commonly used in hockey and boxing, has been adopted as a symbol of Canadian resilience in response to Trump's comments and his proposal to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods. Manitoba premier Wab Kinew, 42, previously referenced the phrase while addressing concerns about the tariffs. Speaking in January, he said: 'We can't be a punching bag, and we have to get our elbows up and let other folks know that we're in the ring there too.' Mike, known for his roles in Shrek and Wayne's World, originally starred on SNL from 1989 to 1995. In the March 1 episode, he also played Elon Musk, 52, in a parody of Trump's recent White House exchange with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, 46. Following the broadcast, social media users voiced support for Mike. One post on X read: ''Elbows up' says Mike Myers! That's Canadian code talk!' Another added: 'Refreshing seeing Mike Myers on SNL tonight standing up for our country. Elbows up Canada!!!'
The Guardian
27-02-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Ontario heads to polls for snap election in face of looming Trump tariffs
Voters in Canada's most populous province head to the polls on Thursday to elect a new premier who may have to face the task of preserving Ontario's economy in the face of punishing US trade tariffs. Doug Ford, the Progressive Conservative party leader who has been the province's premier since 2018, called the snap election last month, arguing that he needs a 'strong mandate' to steer the province through any trade war with the US. Ford's opponents have argued the vote is a cynical move to distract attention from an ongoing criminal probe into how his government handled a now-rescinded plan to develop on protected lands. Lydia Miljan, a political science professor at the University of Windsor in Ontario, said Ford had likely already been planning an election for several months. 'Doug Ford's party was doing well in the polls … and he had obviously put forward a number of policies he wanted to be front of mind,' she said. Ford mailed out $200 rebate cheques to all Ontario residents who were up to date on their taxes, a move his opponents characterized as a gimmick for votes. Ford emerged as a strong voice against US tariffs at a time when Justin Trudeau was trailing in the polls before his resignation, putting the premier in a position where calling an election could be advantageous for him, Miljan said. Ford has spent the campaign wearing a 'Canada Is Not for Sale' hat, visited steel plants announcing promises to protect workers from potential tariffs and travelled twice to Washington DC to make Ontario's case against the levies. His opponents, including Bonnie Crombie, the leader of the provincial Liberal party, and Marit Stiles, leader of Ontario's New Democratic party, have highlighted a string of scandals during Ford's two terms. In 2022, Ford's government was forced to scrap plans to allow building on protected lands in a row that led to the resignation of a provincial minister. He has also faced criticism over Ontario's crumbling healthcare system, funding cuts to education and a housing and homelessness crisis that has seen rents skyrocket and shelter systems overflow. Both Crombie and Stiles have blamed Ford for eroding the province's social safety net amid a cost-of-living crisis. Turnout will be a concern, said Miljan, as only 6% of eligible voters have cast a ballot in advance polls. 'That's unusual because, over the last several election cycles, there's always an increase of people going to advanced polls. It's more convenient,' she said. 'This time around, it looks like it's suppressed.' Regardless of who wins, the government that is elected will have to be nimble and determine how to handle uncertainty as Trump continues to be unpredictable, she said. 'That will be focusing on Ontario productivity, focusing on how we can assist manufacturers and our export markets to diversify so that we're not so heavily dependent on the American market, because that's really made us vulnerable,' she said.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How to handle anti-Americanism abroad
About 20 miles from the Canada-U.S. border, Paula Opdam stocks her two gift shops with Canadian products. Last week, she placed a large order for one of this year's most popular statement pieces: T-shirts, hats and hoodies that read 'Canada Is Not for Sale.' 'They are going to be huge,' said Opdam, who owns Grant's Gifts and the Picket Fence in Port Colborne, Ontario, a short drive from the Buffalo crossing. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. The merchandise is not intended to offend her south-of-the-border shoppers, Opdam said by phone between customers. They are a cheeky rebuttal to President Donald Trump's bid to absorb Canada as the 51st state. 'We love our American customers,' Opdam said. Since taking office last month, the new administration has released a flurry of foreign-policy plans that could erode good will with allies. International relations experts caution that anti-American sentiment could bubble up, straining interactions between American tourists and residents of the places they visit. 'If there are bilateral problems between governments, then you may see some pushback in the streets,' said Tara Sonenshine, a professor at Tufts University's Fletcher School who served as President Barack Obama's undersecretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs. Trump's vow to reclaim the Panama Canal has sparked impassioned protests in the Central American nation, including burning U.S. flags. Travelers in Canada, Mexico and China could catch grief from nationals unhappy about tariffs (real and proposed). Trump's repeated desire to acquire Greenland could dampen the anticipated arrival of the first nonstop flight from Newark to Nuuk, which will debut in June. Diplomacy and travel safety experts have not noticed a spike in animosity toward Americans in Trump's second term. But it's still early, said Tyler Hosford, a regional security manager for International SOS, a risk assessment firm. 'It takes time for these things to really shake out,' Hosford said. 'We could get to the other side of the summer and it might not be the same landscape.' Despite the relative calm, Hosford has been hearing from concerned travelers about whether they will be greeted with open - or crossed - arms. His advice to them is to blend in, keep a low profile and don't wear your citizenry on your sleeve. - - - Read the signs of confrontation Violent anti-American demonstrations are rare. In general, travelers will face a more benign strain of dissent. 'There will be people who are certainly not pleased with the American government and with the president in particular,' said Barbara Bodine, director of the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University. 'It doesn't mean they are necessarily hostile to you or to Americans writ large.' Pamela Eyring, president and owner of the Protocol School of Washington, said locals could express their displeasure through their body language, such as avoiding your glance, frowning or walking away. On the extreme end, Eyring said, they could call you names or toss empty bottles, trash or food in your direction. When out exploring, tourists might notice anti-American graffiti, outdoor murals or posters, or attire with salty slogans. 'Don't take it personally or judge one person's hostile thinking or actions to represent all of their people,' Eyring said. You can never be too cautious, however. Bodine, a former ambassador of Yemen, advises travelers to check resources listed by the U.S. Embassy in their destination for advisories and alerts. 'They will have the best feel,' she said. Sonenshine recommends gauging the pulse through social media, Reddit and local news outlets. A general rule of thumb is to stay clear of large gatherings or marches, even if you identify with the cause. Your foreignness could draw unwanted attention or scrutiny. - - - Deflect political conversations 'Where are you from?' For locals and tourists, the question can be an icebreaker. But your answer can lead to more probing topics. 'They may ask you what is going on, or 'why is your government doing this to us,'' Bodine said. 'I certainly get those questions when I travel abroad.' Bodine said she does not see any advantage to confronting, defending or trying to explain U.S. affairs, regardless of your political views or affiliation. Her advice is to politely extricate yourself from the situation by telling the interlocutor that you are on holiday and detoxing from the news. If the person persists, she recommends this sample script: 'I'm a tourist. I'm not here as a government representative. I don't speak for my government. Can I just please enjoy my hamburger?' Eyring will pair a smile with an equanimous response, such as 'It's a little chaotic right now, and I'm delighted to be in your country for vacation.' Or, 'Every country has its challenges, including the U.S.' If that doesn't work, try redirecting the conversation toward noncontroversial topics like the weather, local attractions or restaurant recommendations. Or ask them about their connection to the destination. Reciprocate the 'where are you from?' question. If the exchange turns heated, excuse yourself and leave the premises. 'Safety supersedes etiquette,' said Daniel Post Senning, great-great grandson of Emily Post and author of several etiquette books. - - - Don't pretend to be from somewhere else To avoid a potential conflict, you might be tempted to assume another nationality. Experts advise against falsely claiming another identity, a practice that traces back to the Vietnam War era, when U.S. travelers sewed Canadian patches onto their backpacks. 'It's hard to cover up your Americanness in this world,' Senning said. 'Rather than try to mask it, make an effort to be a good guest.' Etiquette specialists such as Senning and Eyring say basic manners, common courtesy and cultural sensitivity can act as a balm. For example, learn a few key phrases in the country's language, especially polite words like 'please' and 'thank you.' Practice greeting customs. Dress neutrally, not patriotically. Skip the garments with offensive or incendiary slogans. Avoid loud behaviors, such as video calls in public places. Respect the traditional meal and prayer times. In other words, be an exemplary visitor, above reproach. 'The things that make you a bad traveler, to use a term from the 1970s, an 'Ugly American,' are remarkably consistent,' Hosford said. 'But the stakes are higher in environments where there's more tension, more stress and more pressure.' 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