Canadians Stand Together

The True North Strong and Free

Loreena McKennitt

Wise Communities Founder

There are moments in history when a generation is called upon to define and defend itself, now and for the future. For Canadians, this moment has come in the form of the punishing tariffs the President of the United States is threatening us with - we who are his closest ally and largest trading partner. We should be under no illusions. These moves are meant to cripple our economy and put millions of Canadians out of work. He wants to bring us to heel.

Largely unwarranted and seen as illegal by some, these tariffs serve as a pretence and cover for a bigger idea - to annex Canada, while also threatening the sovereignty of those he sees subservient in his new world order, be they Greenland, the Panama Canal and even Gaza.

Canadians will have none of it. Neither will the Europeans, Mexicans, Central Americans or Gazans who are also in his crosshairs. The road to self-determination and freedom has been too highly fought for and paved with the blood of too many ancestors to let it slip from our hands now.

We are not interested in going back to a feudal past, a religious crusade or an authoritarian regime.

Not long ago, Canada and the United States were bound by a close friendship, helping each other through thick and thin. Together, we were part of the Allied Forces who fought and died alongside each other to eradicate acts of tyranny.

But the White House has lost sight of that friendship and a feeling of betrayal lies in its wake.

Thankfully there are millions of Americans, who just like us, have expressed disbelief at these attacks and against his own people and others around the world. They are starting to rise up against the President and his billionaire tech oligarchs.

Our mission now is to be clear-eyed about the moment we’re in and to move forward with clarity, resolve, resilience and resourcefulness. We have a responsibility to ourselves and to our children to shape a world inspired by the values of respect, self-determination, human rights and the rule of law.

As Canadians, we must stand resolute as we defend our nation and with nations who share our values.

Across this country, an “awakening” is happening, fueled by a sense of purpose and pride. A resistance has already begun through the actions of everyday Canadians who are forming a vanguard that will spread beyond our shores. I am joining them too.

This unfolding situation reminds us that bad things happen when good people stand by and do nothing. Canadians are not ones to stand back and do nothing. We never have been. We are justly proud of who we are and are prepared to defend and fight for it. Now and forever.

There will be no surrender.

Loreena McKennitt

CM, OM, CD, LL.D. and D.Litt

Stratford, Ontario

Loreena McKennitt is an international, multi-platinum recording artist, a member of The Order of Canada and a former Honorary Colonel of the Royal Canadian Air Force.