Roger-Luc Chayer avec Carl Jasmin et Arnaud Pontin (Image: IA / Gay Globe)
Canada begins voting in its most crucial federal election in history, as our neighbor to the south — with whom we share over 8,800 kilometers of border — threatens us on all fronts, both economically and militarily.
These threats are not aimed solely at Canada. They target the entire world economically. But on the military front, and for the first time in U.S. history, their president has threatened to annex Greenland at any cost, despite it being an ally within NATO. He has also suggested using military force to take control of the Panama Canal, which lies within a sovereign state. He has threatened to economically strangle Canada, which he deems defenseless, in order to force our integration into his country. More recently, he has threatened to bomb Mexico under the pretext of pursuing drug cartels.
The Vital Importance of Voting in 2025
Now more than ever, it is crucial to vote to equip Canada with a strong government, ready to face the threat from the south. Let’s not forget: Canada is the closest major democracy to the United States, and it naturally serves as a bulwark against Donald Trump and his dictatorial ambitions.
For the first time in our history, our country is confronted with a dictator whose methods are reminiscent of the worst tyrants who plunged Japan and Europe into World War II. This is a grave reality. And it calls for historic mobilization.
Canadians Are Mobilizing
We are already seeing the effects of this mobilization at all levels.
In recent weeks, Canadians have been massively boycotting food and consumer goods from the United States. Grocery store owners have noticed: American products are no longer selling. Canadian food wholesalers are ceasing to place orders with American suppliers due to lack of demand. Financial losses are already significant.
The trend is equally striking in the travel sector. For the past two weeks, cancellations of trips by Canadian tourists have been such that airlines are reporting a 70% drop in bookings to the United States — a level comparable to that seen during the pandemic when travel was restricted.
To our south, the consequences are direct. American farmers and ranchers are having to destroy their crops and production due to lack of markets. Hundreds of thousands of tons of food are being lost. It is also worth noting that the European Union is also participating in this boycott of American products. And it is bearing fruit, to put it mildly!
The Danger of the Return of Segregation
Where a new strong Canadian government can play a crucial role is in protecting social, cultural, and sexual minorities, particularly the LGBTQ+ communities.
Since Donald Trump returned to power, LGBTQ+ individuals are living with increased concern. Several of his stances suggest that he wants to roll back hard-won rights. He frequently criticizes issues related to gender identity, and his decisions may have negative impacts, especially in schools, hospitals, or everyday life.
His rhetoric also encourages certain very conservative groups, who now feel freer to express hostile ideas toward LGBTQ+ communities. This is creating a more tense and sometimes even dangerous climate, especially for young people who already do not always feel accepted.
In Canada, we are watching all of this closely because what happens in the United States can easily have repercussions here. The danger is that we could see a more closed-off, less tolerant atmosphere take hold, threatening years of progress in terms of inclusion. For LGBTQ+ individuals, this is a moment to remain vigilant and united.
An Election, A Solution!
This is why the 2025 Canadian federal election could truly change the course of history, here and abroad. The whole world is watching Canada to see how our next government will deal with Donald Trump and his ambitions.
Early voting is open until Monday evening, and the general election will take place on April 28. Just minutes after the polling stations close in British Columbia, Canadians will find out who their next prime minister will be and how the new House of Commons will take shape.
Now more than ever, it is essential to vote. Those who choose to abstain must also accept staying silent: democracy only works when everyone takes part.
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