For our latest cover story, features writer Simon van Zuylen-Wood moved his family to Canada (temporarily). He had heard that a fervent anti-American resistance was happening in the ordinarily placid northern provinces. But he was shocked by the way it had united the whole country. Everywhere he went, he witnessed boycotts, protests, and a new national solidarity. Snowbirds are refusing to fly south for the winter. The liquor boards have halted the sale of American alcohol. And trade is being opened up between the provinces to help Canadians avoid any dealings with those of us south of the border. There’s even a new national motto, inspired by hockey hooliganism and the actor Mike Myers: “Elbows up.”
Before I worked on the article, I had no idea that American leaders have long made threats to invade Canada — a pattern one Father of Confederation blamed on our “diseased love of excitement.” But that context makes the rift between the countries started by Donald Trump that much more poignant. This time, it’s different. In this report, Simon goes deep on the specific nature of this rupture and explains, in delicious detail, how a country known for peace and order has become completely belligerent about its once closest ally.
—Natalie Shutler, features editor, New York
