Canada holds an unusual inauguration ceremony in Washington

Some Donald Trump fans stopped to take photos of an unexpected sight during their inauguration drive in downtown Washington, D.C

“Canada congratulates Donald Trump,” one chanted Sunday, as he read the banner atop the Canadian Embassy surrounded by giant maple leaf flags off Pennsylvania Avenue.

“Do you think Justin Trudeau is there?”

No, the Prime Minister was not there. But there may already be more than 1,500 people for Canada’s quadrennial inauguration on Monday.

This year’s event is strange.

The absence of the military parade on Pennsylvania Avenue due to inclement weather is not the only reason this ceremony is unusual.

It’s the first time since the Canadian Embassy Open at the location of your choice by Capitol Hill in 1989 that there were no official ceremonies that could be viewed live from her traditional ceremony.

Another strange thing is that partygoers will spend the entire day waiting for a slew of potentially harmful executive orders that the star of the day, Trump, is threatening.

It’s like having a party and wondering if you’re on the list.

There are countless rumors about economic sanctions that Trump might impose: a small tariff? Big tariff with loopholes? Temporary tariff? Process to impose tariffs in the end? Or will he carry out his most dangerous threat: impose a full 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico.

Canada’s ambassador to the United States said she expects some kind of trade sanctions from Trump — the exact form is unclear.

“I hesitate to say, it’s almost a certainty, but most people I talk to think some version of a tariff measure will be put forward,” Kirsten Heilman told CBC News in a recent interview.

“Whether it’s on us or on others… I don’t know. I hope they’re all wrong. But I think we have to be prepared for that,” he added.

Definitions are an afterthought in speech

Trump’s team briefed Republican allies on Capitol Hill on Sunday on dozens of executive orders that would be issued the next day, and it is unclear where trade fits in.

A handful From the American press Reports On Monday’s plans he did not Little Definitions. Trump referred to the tariffs only in passing during a speech on Sunday.

At a rally on the eve of the inauguration, he spoke at length about other first-day plans. He spoke about aggressive deportations and historic border measures, and spent more time talking about gender ideology than trade.

He pressed a signal right at the end, before the villagers concluded his gathering with a ceremonial performance YMCA.

“In conclusion,” Trump said, adding promises to lower taxes, end inflation, raise wages, and bring thousands of factories back to the United States through tariffs and other policies.

That was it. And now the continent waits.

Trump’s return is a truly historic moment for Canada-U.S. relations, said Asa McKercher, a researcher at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia who studies the cross-border relationship.

He said the next president threatens to take the most aggressive trade measures this continent has seen in more than 90 years, since the Great Depression, through the infamous Smoot-Hawley tariff.

Tariffs imposed in 1930 hindered Canadian exports: they hit different products at different rates but An average of about 20 percent Points and I erased Most Canadian wool, livestock, and flaxseed exports are to the United States

Trump is also the first major American politician in Nearly 115 years old To do even semi-serious wisdom The United States annexed CanadaMcKercher, who is the Stephen K. Research Chair, said: Hudson at the Canada-US Relations at the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government at StFX.

“In some ways, Donald Trump represents a return to a century ago,” he said. “I think it’s back to the future.”

In another way, Trump represents a surprising break with history, McKercher said, with his gleeful willingness to attack friendly countries. “It is somewhat unprecedented to have a president deliberately pointing the middle finger at allies,” he said.

Business leader urges caution

One Canadian business leader said he’s doing his best to focus on what’s within Canada’s control, not what’s outside of it.

“I haven’t spent time worrying about what, where, when or why (Trump’s tariffs will apply),” said Goldie Hyder, president and CEO of the Business Council of Canada.

“This has been a better way to sleep every night.”

What Canada can actually control, he said, is strengthening its economic policies Create influence With Trump, such as better developing mining and energy resources.

Hyder also warns Ottawa to be more cautious about launching retaliatory measures that could exacerbate local damage. Like, for example, Canadian Threats To establish an export tax on energy products, which Canada also repeat-Imports From the United States

“The last thing you want is for our actions to rebound on Canada,” he said in an interview Sunday while visiting Washington for the inauguration.

We can find out on Monday if there’s anything to get revenge on.

Meanwhile, guests will gather for a ceremony at the Canadian Embassy as they have done for every opening ceremony since 1989.

Guests include county leaders, members of the federal government, and a number of American politicians and business groups, all of whom are welcome to enjoy snacks, including beaver tails.

The embassy did not disclose the cost of this case, but said that it is being compensated by a number of sponsoring companies.

McKercher said going ahead with the event was in the national interest and the right thing to do, regardless of the extraordinary threats looming on the continent.

“It’s weird,” he said of the circumstances surrounding the party. “But diplomats kind of live in a strange world.”