War and karaoke on the Detroit River Will neighbors Canada and the USA become enemies?

SDA

29.3.2025 - 09:10

A picture from February 9, 2022: Canadians protest against pandemic restrictions on the Ambassador Bridge between the USA and Canada. The bridge connects the towns of Windsor and Detroit.
A picture from February 9, 2022: Canadians protest against pandemic restrictions on the Ambassador Bridge between the USA and Canada. The bridge connects the towns of Windsor and Detroit.
KEYSTONE

A report from the border region between Canada and the USA shows a rift between the two countries, which are actually such close friends: Initially there is only a trade dispute, but war is also already being discussed.

Keystone-SDA

No time? blue News summarizes for you

  • A report takes the pulse of the border region between the USA and Canada near Detroit, Michigan.
  • "We would fight them": a Canadian mayor even muses about war.
  • Nightlife at the border: nervousness is in the air.
  • This is why Trump's customs policy is jeopardizing the economy in the border region.
  • US booze has disappeared from the stores.

In Canada these days, people are getting a surprisingly serious answer to what is actually an absurd question: what to do if America starts a war? "We would fight them," says Drew Dilkens, the mayor of Windsor, Ontario - Canada's most important border town with the USA.

"We would fight hard with everything we have," says Dilkens. Through the window of his office, he can see the mighty towers of the US metropolis of Detroit. The cities have had close and friendly ties for over 100 years, but threats of annexation from US President Donald Trump are now making the unthinkable in Windsor tangible.

Windsor (marked in red), Ontario, Canada, is located right next to Detroit, Michigan.
Windsor (marked in red), Ontario, Canada, is located right next to Detroit, Michigan.
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"We know they are stronger militarily. And we hope that we have allies around the world who would support us," says Dilkens with a smile, wanting to show confidence. Trump has started a trade war, probably also to wear down Canada. The tone has recently been more conciliatory, but the next escalation could follow next week.

Trump recently called April 2 a "day of liberation", on which he intends to announce a series of decisions on tariffs. Special duties of 25 percent were already imposed on global car imports to the USA on March 26. In addition, tariffs against China and on steel and aluminum apply worldwide.

Canada as the 51st state

According to Trump, his aim is to bring back manufacturing jobs and balance out unfair trade balances. Many experts, however, fear chaos and losses. The trade dispute with North American neighbors Mexico and Canada had caused turbulence on the US stock markets and in the countries.

Trump initially announced special 25% tariffs on all goods, but then suspended them, only to reinstate them a few weeks later - only to partially suspend them again shortly afterwards. There are currently no punitive tariffs on imports under the North American Free Trade Agreement (USMCA) until the beginning of April.

According to Washington, around 38 percent of imports from Canada are covered by the agreement. Canada is threatening counter-tariffs. Both sides have recently made efforts to find a solution at the negotiating table. But the threat remains. Also because Trump has repeatedly spoken of wanting to make Canada the 51st state of the USA in the course of the tariff dispute.

Are neighbors becoming enemies?

What began as a supposedly mocking joke is now being taken seriously by many. In the Great Lakes region, where Michigan borders Ontario, the tug-of-war has become a tug-of-war.

Tens of thousands of jobs are at risk, and not just in the closely intertwined automotive industry. Goods worth around 285 million francs - over a quarter of trade between the two countries - cross the famous Ambassador Bridge every day.

But the hostility provoked by Trump between neighbors and friends is also taking its toll. The White House would fit into the Stellantis car manufacturer's factory in Windsor, Canada, around 170 times over. Inside, Chrysler models roll off the production line, while outside, workers stream through turnstiles into the end of the working day.

Hardly anyone wants to talk to the reporter. Only one stops briefly - he is pleased about the visit from Europe. Yes, of course he talks to his colleagues about the customs dispute, he shouts over the noise. "But there's nothing I can do." The decisions are made by someone else - he points his finger upwards.

Shame and anger in the border region

On the US side of the border, it is mainly those who are ashamed of their president's behavior who are talking. We are the laughing stock of Europe, grumbles the employee of a car rental company at the airport. Tourists could avoid the country - and people could lose their jobs.

Luka Backus mixes cocktails in the center of once glamorous Detroit - today a symbol of decay, change and reinvention. Backus' bar is hip, with drinks starting at 20 dollars. It is still full at the weekend, but empty during the week. "On Wednesdays and Thursdays, it's deserted," he says. People are nervous and save money - even when it comes to tipping. "It's hitting us hard."

A couple who entered the "Toast" restaurant in Windsor on the Canadian side of the Detroit River were generous. "They told us they were from the US and loved Canadians," says restaurant co-owner May Hermiz. "They said not all Americans loved Trump, and they wanted to show their appreciation and love for Canada."

US booze disappeared from the stores

So they asked for the 1,000-franc bill for the entire restaurant, for about 70 people, he said. "Everyone applauded and cheered them, and they went up to them and hugged them," says Hermiz. It was a moment of cohesion, heartwarming "despite all the divisions".

There is nervousness in the air in the border area - some are embarrassed, others are angry. Canadians fly their flags from car windows, a sign of their new cohesion and pride. US booze has disappeared from the stores.

Patriotic assortment: a boutique called Whiskeyjack in Windsor, Ontario, on March 4.
Patriotic assortment: a boutique called Whiskeyjack in Windsor, Ontario, on March 4.
KEYSTONE

Erin Hawkins vents her anger loudly. It's 00:23 on a Monday morning when she steps up to the microphone at the Villains pub in downtown Windsor. It's karaoke night, "I will survive" is blaring from the speakers, but Hawkins has brought her own lyrics.

"Now we stand together, your duties have made us strong," sings Hawkins to the tune of the Gloria Gaynor hit. And continues: "There's not the slightest chance that we'll become your 51st state". The karaoke classic ends with a determined: "We will survive!".