4 days ago
‘No sale': Commenters not enticed by Vermont town's ‘Rue Canada' gesture
Commenters on social media had a lot to say about Thursday's news that Burlington, Vt. was temporarily renaming Church St. to Rue Canada.
The gesture is an attempt to woo Canadians who are staying away in droves following the election of President Donald Trump.
As reported by The Gazette's Jack Wilson, Canadians, including Quebecers, 'are travelling to the U.S. in smaller numbers than before.' The number of Quebecers crossing the border has dropped 43 per cent in June compared with June 2024.
'They could name the entire city after me personally and the most they would get is a virtual meeting. No sale,' said X user Kyle Riley.
They could name the entire city after me personally and the most they would get is a virtual meeting.
No sale.
— Kyle Riley (@Smileyyeg) July 18, 2025
That user's comment reflected the majority who replied to the article on X and BlueSky.
'This is kinda sad cause vermont ain't that different from canada ideologically and culturally but im still not stepping foot there anymore,' said another X user, Dee.
'I have to give them credit for persistence ... for persisting in thinking performative nonsense like this is going to work,' said X user Harrison Lansing.
I have to give them credit for persisting in thinking performative nonsense like this is going to work.
— Harrison Lansing (@HarrisonLansing) July 18, 2025
Others on X said Burlington's decision makers were 'missing the point entirely' and 'watering a dead plant.'
Some commenters were also sympathetic to the plight of the American border towns who rely on Canadian tourists to boost their economy.
'As a Canadian, I find it heartbreaking to be hurting our friends and neighbours. The Northeast US and Eastern Canada are so integrated economically and culturally, it's almost like family infighting that none of us wanted,' said X user TacticallyHip.
As a Canadian, I find it heart-breaking to be hurting our friends and neighbours. The Northeast US and Eastern Canada are so integrated economically and culturally, it's almost like family infighting that none of us wanted.
— Strictly Khaki (@tacticallyhip) July 18, 2025
On Bluesky, journalist Dale Smith called the move 'more extreme not-getting-it from Americans,' while Bluesky user Trevor responded with: 'Hope you'll enjoy your stroll down 'Sorry We Threatened to Annex You' lane!'
The temporary renaming of Church St., which will return to its previous name on Sept. 1, isn't the only overture made by Americans looking to bring back Quebec tourists in the wake of Trump's '51st State' rhetoric and tariffs.
A rally for Maine-Quebec Friendship Day was held in Augusta on St-Jean Baptiste Day last month.
Pro-Canada Vermonters, including Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak, made a stop at Jean-Talon Market in May to promote goodwill between neighbours.
Tourisme Cantons-de-l'Est recently went viral for an ad campaign looking to entice Americans who might be sheepish about crossing the border with their 'Come hug it out in the Eastern Townships' campaign. The ad showing an American tourist and Canadian hotel worker sharing a hug has been viewed 2.1 million times on YouTube since being uploaded on May 22.
This story was originally published July 18, 2025 at 2:15 PM.
