Quebecers cancel travel plans to U.S. in protest of incoming Trump tariffs

Pascal Nadeau has spent more than three years saving and planning for a road trip in California. He was eager to visit Alcatraz Island, vineyards and take in the breathtaking landscapes the state has to offer.

But after U.S. President Donald Trump announced 25 per cent tariffs on most Canadian goods, which have been put on hold for at least a month, the Quebecer decided to abandon his plans. 

"The trigger was when [Trump] said, 'We don't need Canada.' That statement really provoked a certain frustration or disgust in me," said Nadeau, a teacher in continuing education. 

Nadeau cancelled his flights and accommodations, all of which were refundable within 30 days of departure.

He says he even told a person in charge of cancelling one of his reservations his reason for calling off his trip and said they could "thank Mr. Trump" for it.

"In solidarity with my fellow Quebecers and Canadians, I think it was important to send a clear message," he said about his decision.

Over the past few days, many like Nadeau have heeded Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's call to rally around the flag by choosing local products and travelling within the country whenever possible in response to Trump's tariffs threat. 

In a speech Saturday night, Trudeau said now is the "time to choose Canada," adding there are many ways for citizens to do their part. 

"It might mean changing your summer vacation plans to stay here in Canada," he said. 

Nadeau said he's noticing a wave of solidarity sweeping across Canada, with many citizens signalling to Americans that they may "need Canada more than President Trump is letting on." 

Nadeau is currently exploring other travel options like Mexico, which faces the same threat as Canada, and European countries with ties to Canada.

'A beautiful protest,' says travel expert

Amra Durakovic, the head of communications for Flight Centre Travel Group Canada, shares Nadeau's sentiments.

"Over I would say the last few months … we've seen a pattern where less Canadians have been travelling south because of the weak Canadian dollar. Now, you add these new tariffs, people are actually cancelling their trips," she said.

Durakovic said she's heard anecdotes from travel experts at her company about Canadians changing their trips, some of which cost as much as $20,000. 

"It's, I would say, like a beautiful protest against what's happening by choosing to spend our tourism dollars elsewhere," said Durakovic. 

She noted that despite the cancellation fees Canadians are having to pay, they're not complaining or getting upset.

"Canadians are actually paying more money and they're OK with that right now. I think it's such a strong sentiment," said Durakovic. "It really just shows our solidarity in this moment, our resilience and our resourcefulness."

Quebec education minister urges schools to do their part

Schools in the province are also joining the movement.

David Choinière, principal of Collège Mont Sacré-Cœur in Granby, Que., and his staff decided to cancel their Grade 10 students' trip to New York City in April — a longstanding tradition at the school. 

This week, students had to hand in their first deposits, which triggered a reflection.

"With the impacts of economic uncertainty, the fact that Canada is receiving threats, there was a contradiction between sending students to New York and continuing the trip and not taking reality into account," said Choinière, adding that one of the school's values is responsibility.

He said he knew some students would be disappointed so he made himself available on Tuesday to answer their questions. They won't lose any money because of his decision.

"We have a great relationship and the students understood. There was some disappointment, but their point was really: 'OK. We understand the decision. Now, please reassure us,'" he said, mentioning that a weekend trip is still planned.

"I'm very proud of the students' reaction."

On Wednesday, Quebec Education Minister Bernard Drainville told reporters that everyone, including schools and school boards, has a responsibility to do their part. He encouraged Quebecers to stop buying American products and travelling to the U.S.

"We are engaged in a fight," he said. "It's up to the schools, it's up to the people working within the school system, the parents, to assess the situation, question themselves, consider all of the options and make their decision," he said, adding that he would not start "dictating" the actions of Quebec's more than 3,000 schools.