In recent days, a slogan “elbows up” has been rapidly spreading in Canada, repeatedly used by Canadian comedian Mike Myers on the “Saturday Night Live” program. Facing the U.S. imposition of tariffs, Canadians are posing a question: is this leading them to undergo a historic transformation, finding their more inherent national traits.
Inspired by hockey legend Gordie Howe, this rallying cry symbolizes resilience and standing up in adversity, especially when facing threats or insults. In hockey games, “elbows up” is a signal that players use to prepare to protect themselves and their teammates, often used in intense battles with opponents.
Now, some Canadians are using this slogan to express their national pride, viewing the U.S. tariffs and talk of making Canada the 51st state of the U.S. as threats or impertinent insults. Recent opinion polls show that Canadians are rallying for their country, nationalism is experiencing a resurgence, and the Canada-U.S. relationship is becoming the most pressing issue for Canadians.
However, currently no one knows how long Trump’s tariffs on Canada will be implemented, and it is unclear what Trump’s true intentions are in suggesting Canada becoming the 51st state of the U.S.
Despite this, 11 Canadians interviewed by Reuters expressed anger, feeling that the U.S.’s tariff policy has caused irreparable damage and a sense of betrayal. In response, some Canadians have started boycotting American goods, canceling travel plans to the U.S., and provinces are taking American alcohol off the shelves.
On March 9, private individuals like Peter Wall organized a rally on Parliament Hill in the Canadian capital Ottawa, attracting over 1,000 participants. There were speeches, band performances, and a hockey game held after the rally.
Wall said, “It’s a mix of worry, frustration, and anger. Our long-time ally has betrayed us, and we really don’t know what to do.”
During the Ottawa rally, banners criticizing Trump as an imperialist were seen, with messages like “elbows up” or “True north strong and peeved,” a play on words from the Canadian national anthem. Canadian flags fluttered throughout the venue.
Comedian Shaun Majumder, who had lived in Los Angeles for many years before recently returning to Canada with his family, performed at the rally. He believes that Canadians will look back on this time in 50 years as a turning point.
“Is this a turning point in our maturation where we’ve finally found our identity?” he said. “And it’s not the beaver, not the Mountie in red uniform on a horse, not the polite and friendly image internationally held of Canadians—beneath all of that (superficial symbols of Canada) there’s something else, something more intrinsic, more essential, more unique.”
In the coming weeks, there are plans to hold more events in Toronto and other places.
Reporter Jordan Heath-Rawlings in his podcast named “Elbows Up” compared the relationship between Canada and the U.S. to a marriage, likening his disappointment to the impact of a divorce. He emotionally stated, “All the things you take for granted in life, suddenly they’re gone, and you have to redefine yourself as single. That’s where we are at as a country right now.” He added, “I think a lot of Canadians are feeling very hurt, very angry, and I certainly do too.”
Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau used the phrase “elbows up” in his farewell speech on Sunday, saying, “We are a country that can diplomatically negotiate, but also fight when necessary! Elbows up!”
(This article was based on the reports from Reuters)