The imposing monument to the arch of peace, standing at the border between Canada between Surrey, BC, and Blaine, Washington, has two inscriptions: “Children of a common mother” on the side of the United States, and “brothers who live together in the unit” on the Canadian side.
On Saturday morning, dozens of residents of both countries met at their base for a rally that requested unity and friendship in increasing tensions between Canada and the United States.
The attendees celebrated signs that condemned the repeated comments of the president of the United States, Donald Trump, about the annexation of Canada such as state 51, while others sang songs and sung slots, waiting for diplomacy and good will to prevail over the tense relations between the two neighbors.
Among them, a trio of the activist group based in Bellingham Raging Grannies dedicated a song to the link between the two nations.
“We understand the situation and support the things you do, the anger you feel is really alone, although we will miss you until it ends …” they sang.
Haidee Landry, one of the organizers of the Langley event, BC, said the meeting, called “Peace, Love and a handshake”, it was about showing solidarity while making it clear that Canada will continue to be a strong and sovereign nation.
“We want them to still come … come to have coffee, come to eat, we still love you,” he said about the American neighbors of BC. “But we don’t want to live with you, we don’t want to be your roommates.”
Landry added that many Americans he has spoken with the steps taken by the Trump administration and have expressed support to Canada. But the Canadians, he said, are firm in their decision to avoid cross -border trips as an act of resistance.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the nine-hectare peace park that extends to horcated in parallel 49 served as an escape for loved ones separated by borders closures. Now, Landry said, the park is once again a meeting place for those looking for common land.
Mary Lou Steward, mayor of Blaine, Washington, a border city of approximately 6,200, said that the decision of many Canadians to avoid entering the US. UU. It is already affecting.
“People are seeing their business for 30 percent,” said Steward, who was also present. “We value the Canadians who are found, I understand that they are angry … we will go beyond this, we will work hard to repair the relationship, which this monument represents.”
Len Saunders, an immigration lawyer in Blaine, said that the absence of Canadian buyers is surprising.
“This is like Covid again,” News told CBC during an interview earlier this week. “You can see it in the Costco parking lot, in Trader Joe’s. Canadians vote with their wallets at this time. That is what is happening.”
Recent customs data and border protection of the United States show a strong decrease in cross -border trips, with almost 500,000 Canadian travelers who enter the US. UU. In February compared to the same month last year.
The number of BC conductors that are directed south through the border crossing of the Peace Arch has also been significantly reduced this year, according to data from the Whatcom Governments Council. A 30 -day rolling average of crosses through the border shows A 25 percent decrease compared to 2024.
As Trump’s talk on tariffs and annexation continues, the data show that British Colombians choose to cross the United States less. Justin Mcelroy examined the numbers and found a 25 percent decrease in BC cars that were directed south during the last month, and some days saw a decrease of up to 50 percent compared to last year.
“We only have two months in a four -year administration. If they maintain this, there will be no Canadians who come here, there will be a boycott of 100 percent of this country,” Saunders said.
For some attendees on Saturday, the demonstration was a way of going back against rhetoric from Washington, DC
“Sorry, Canada … most of us do not agree with what Trump is doing,” said Jim Kosa, a Bellingham resident. “The way in which my country is treating Canada is atrocious.”
While the rally concluded, attendees formed a line and set their hands, reflecting a kind of handshake after the game.
Landry said the event will return next weekend to maintain open dialogue and reaffirm its commitment to maintain friendship between the two nations.
