Canadians and Americans call for stronger ties as B.C. election focuses on U.S. relations

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 27, 2026

Photo Courtesy: CBC News

At the Peace Arch border, Canadians and Americans came together to call for stronger relations between the two countries as tensions over trade and cross-border ties become an issue in British Columbia’s election campaign.

The gathering brought together Canadians, Americans and dual citizens at Peace Arch Park on Saturday, with participants expressing concern over the strained relationship between Ottawa and Washington.

The group has been meeting at the border every two weeks since March 2025, using the Peace Arch as a symbol of the long-standing connections between communities on both sides of the border.

Their gathering comes as Canada-U.S. trade tensions remain a prominent issue in the B.C. election campaign, with political parties debating how the province should respond to changing relations with its largest trading partner.

The Peace Arch itself has long represented the close relationship between Canada and the United States, particularly in the communities around the B.C.-Washington border where families, workers and businesses regularly cross between the two countries.

The issue has also featured prominently in the campaign. B.C. Premier David Eby recently used the Peace Arch as the backdrop for a campaign stop focused on Canada-U.S. relations and his plans to recruit more health-care workers from the United States.

For those gathered at the border, the message was centered less on political divisions and more on maintaining the relationships that have connected Canadians and Americans for generations.

As British Columbia heads toward the October 24 provincial election, the gathering highlights how developments in Washington are increasingly becoming part of the political conversation in the province.