At the border, Canadians exasperated at Trump

On the Canadian city of Sarnia, on the Canada-US border, residents say they are exhausted and exasperated over once again being held hostage by President Donald Trump's policies.

In the morning, John Perz likes to come with a coffee to the banks of the river that separates the two countries, where the Canadian and American flags flutter.

But today, this border serves as a harsh reminder of the growing tensions between neighbors.

Trump is destroying the relationship between two allies by imposing "very harmful" tariffs that "frighten people," Perz said.

The US president is scheduled later Wednesday to announce -- on what he has called "Liberation Day" -- new global tariffs that are supposed to usher in a "golden age" in America but could seriously destabilize the Canadian, and world, economy.

"It's not 'Liberation Day' for anyone. That's such a crazy statement," said Perz.

The 63-year-old, who has worked his entire life in the manufacturing sector, hopes Canada will fight back.

It's a position shared by Ron Zerh, 59, who fishes for trout and salmon nearby.

"I'm glad to see Canadians bonding together and becoming a little more stronger as a nation," he said.

He is mystified by Trump's motives.

"We sell them cheap energy," he said, wading in the water in rubber boots.

"I said before the election that if he won, all it would be is a revenge tour. And so far it looks like I'm right."

- Perpetual uncertainty -

The petrochemical industry is central to the economy of the Sarnia region in Ontario, home to several refineries and oil and gas pipelines that pass through the United States. The region also includes dozens of chemical plants.

"Everything about the last couple of months has been associated with uncertainty, and uncertainty continues to be the phrase of the day," Matthew Slotwinski, head of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, which represents the region's industries, told AFP.

All sectors are on high alert, he said.

In a downtown cafe, tariffs and the upcoming Canadian elections are on everyone's lips.

Several tariff options are circulating in the press. Will the United States impose a single 20 percent tax on all imports? Or variable tariffs depending on the country of origin of the goods?

"No one talked about tariffs before," said Jordan Denomme, 39. "And now they're affecting everybody in a negative way, and honestly, putting our long-term economy in question."

It presents an opportunity for the country to diversify its economy, he believes, by seeking new trading partners and strengthening its economy, because "the United States is no longer an ally."