PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – For years, sunny South Florida has been a home away from home for Canadians.
But after President Trump announced tariffs on trade partners, including Canada, there’s now uncertainly over whether they’ll come back.
Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has even threatened a boycott of sorts.
“Canadians are hurt. Canadians are angry. We are going to choose to not go on vacation in Florida,” he said last Tuesday. “We are going to choose to try and buy Canadian products ... and yeah we’re probably going to keep booing the American anthem.”
Local 10 News’ Janine Stanwood spoke to some longtime snowbirds in beachside high-rises and in a Pembroke Park mobile home community who said their plans aren’t changing.
“Maybe it would be more expensive for us but we are not afraid,” Pembroke Park part-time resident Silvain Cardinal said.
Daniel Desruisseaux, another Pembroke Park resident said, “I’m here for 12 years so I’m OK.”
The small south Broward town is a popular spot for Canadians — particularly from Quebec — escaping harsh northern winters.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also pushed back.
“People have been saying Canadians aren’t going to come,” said DeSantis. “I think there was 3.3 million Canadians, I haven’t seen a letup on that.”
Dual citizen Gerry Rondeau, however, isn’t so sure.
“I think it’s going to discourage Canadians to come over,” Rondeau said.
He says he loves everything American: from his GMC truck to his Boss Hoss motorcycle.
“America, we are friends (for) 250 years but those tariffs, it’s not fair,” he said.
Rondeau said he thinks politics get in the way of what should be a partnership.
“Americans are going to suffer and Canadians are going to suffer,” he said. “Both sides are going to suffer.”