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Chrétien Urges U.S. Respect as Canada-U.S. Trade Talks Collapse

By Drooid · Sep 13, 2026, 6:13 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Chrétien Urges US Respect

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien urged the United States to respect Canada’s friendship at a Gander 9/11 ceremony.
He said Canada’s tolerance and kindness are not signs of weakness.
He noted 165 Canadians, including 158 soldiers, died fighting alongside U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
The speech came as Canada-U.S. trade talks collapsed, prompting new U.S. tariffs and Canadian retaliation.

Summary

Eby Unveils Border

A petition to expel Ambassador Hoekstra has collected nearly 270,000 signatures across Canada.
Gander residents provided free beds, food, medicine and clothing to over 6,000 stranded travelers in 2001.
Kevin Tuerff founded the Pay It Forward 9/11 charity after his diverted flight landed in Gander.
Premier David Eby unveiled a border sign declaring Canada will ‘NEVER be the 51st state’.

History

Historical Context

When NAFTA took effect on Jan 1 1994, it removed tariffs on over half of Mexico’s exports to the United States and deepened economic ties among the three nations. Decades later, the 2001 Gander hospitality drive led by Kevin Tuerff echoes that cooperative spirit, as Canadians gather 270,000 signatures to demand the removal of U.S. Ambassador Hoekstra.

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Chrétien Urges US Respect

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien urged the United States to respect Canada’s friendship at a Gander 9/11 ceremony.
He said Canada’s tolerance and kindness are not signs of weakness.
He noted 165 Canadians, including 158 soldiers, died fighting alongside U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
The speech came as Canada-U.S. trade talks collapsed, prompting new U.S. tariffs and Canadian retaliation.

1 / 3