Palm Springs Welcomes Canadians Amid Trump Tariffs with “We Love Canada” Campaign
As Donald Trump launches a new round of tariffs on Canada, Palm Springs is choosing a different path—one filled with warmth, signs, and open arms.
Why Canadians Matter in Palm Springs
Each year, more than 300,000 Canadians visit Palm Springs. Many stay for months, escaping winter and fueling the city’s hotels, restaurants, shops, and golf courses. According to Mayor Ron deHarte, they’re more than just visitors.
“They’re neighbors, friends, and part of our community,” he told The Star.
But rising political tensions are putting this long-standing relationship at risk. Trump’s aggressive trade policies—including tariffs on Canadian steel and cars—have angered many Canadians. Some are now canceling their trips. Others are selling their second homes. Two Canadian airlines, WestJet and Flair, have already cut back on Palm Springs flights.
A Visual Show of Support
To push back against the backlash, Palm Springs has launched a “We Love Canada” campaign. Red banners now line the streets with a Canadian flag, a heart, and the words: Palm Springs ❤️ Canada.
“It’s a message of support,” said Mayor deHarte. “We want Canadians to know that Palm Springs still welcomes them.”
The campaign started with a local business owner, Keith McCormick, who suggested the idea during a city meeting. With no funds in the mayor’s budget, every city council member pitched in from their community funds to make it happen.
Some local businesses, like Desert Hand Wash, even created signs on their own. “The Canadian business is 30% of my business in winter,” said owner Bob Smiland. “We had to do something.”
The Economic Stakes
Palm Springs depends heavily on Canadian tourism. According to local data:
- Canadians contribute $300 million USD each year to the local economy.
- They support an estimated 2,000 jobs.
- They own 7% of vacation homes in the Coachella Valley—more than any other non-American group.
Beyond the money, Canadians also volunteer, attend community events, and contribute to local life in big and small ways.
“This isn’t just about losing business,” said deHarte. “It’s about losing neighbors.”
Politics Cast a Long Shadow
Palm Springs has long had a reputation as a welcoming, progressive city. It was the first U.S. city to elect an all-LGBTQ+ city council. But even here, Trump’s policies are being felt.
Tensions have grown after Trump mocked Canada, suggesting it should become the “51st state” and calling former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau a “governor.” Canada responded with 25% tariffs on U.S. vehicles, and many Canadians have started to rethink their travel plans.
A growing number of them are choosing Mexico, the Caribbean, or Europe instead.
“There’s concern about crossing the border,” said deHarte. “And we understand that.”
A Hope for Healing
For now, the banners will stay up through spring and possibly return next winter. Mayor deHarte hopes time—and a change in tone—will help heal the relationship.
“We know these policies are not forever,” he said. “Palm Springs isn’t Washington. We still believe in treating neighbors with respect.”
More…
- https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/08/trump-canada-tariffs-california
- https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/as-trade-war-tensions-rise-one-u-s-city-sends-love-to-canadian-tourists-were/article_e32a25a7-3a60-4fb3-b817-a9d24ff1d045.html
- https://www.toronto.com/things-to-do/travel/as-trade-war-tensions-rise-one-u-s-city-sends-love-to-canadian-tourists-were/article_7a95eaf1-f498-5697-b195-223d038c7ada.html
