Academic Papers

          Some Western University students are worried that Trump’s tariffs, and his plans to make Canada the 51st state through economic pressure, will affect their quality of life along with their university career.

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          In an expected, but unwelcomed, move today, President Donald Trump signed into action a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods, with the exception of oil and gas that was set at a 10% tariff. In response, the Canadian Government has retaliated with a 25% tariff on all American goods imported into Canada furthering the concerns by some Western students that they will be unable to continue their studies at the university.

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          “I'm worried if the cost of living goes up that I won't be able to afford continuing my studies,” Ella Whitney, a 4th year English literature student, said, “I'm also not looking forward to how such a change might affect the culture and attitude of the Canadian population.”

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          Furthering the stress of some students is the alt-right rhetoric spilling over the border, as Whitney said, “I've already been seeing a slide into racist anti-immigration rhetoric among my fellow working-class Canadians.” However, students were quick to add that there is zero risk of Canada becoming the 51st state, even if the economic impacts become severe.

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          Despite concerns around a higher cost of living, inability to sustain quality of life and studies, and the increase in hateful rhetoric, some Western students maintain hope that these times will build a stronger Canada. “All I can do is hope,” said a 2nd year environmental sciences student who asked to remain anonymous, “that Trump will do enough damage that Canadians will vote against hate in our upcoming elections, and we can focus on the health and well-being of all Canadians.”

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          Something that many of the Western students agreed was important in today’s political climate.