‘Like our best friend betrayed us’: Canadian snowbirds feeling the effects of Trump’s tariff threats

Quebec snowbird Michel Dubois and his wife Mariette have spent their winters in Florida for the last 14 years.

But U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of a trade war with Canada has left a bad taste in Dubois’ mouth.

He says he will change his habits when he leaves his Fort Lauderdale, Florida, home in April to return to Saint-Lin–Laurentides, Quebec, about 60 kilometres north of Montreal.

“We feel like our best friend betrayed us. And for me, when I return to Canada, I will discipline myself,” said Dubois.

“I won’t buy any Tesla. I thought about buying an electric car. I would buy the EV from Kia or from Toyota,” he explained.

Dubois says he plans to boycott U.S. products and buy Quebec produce grown in greenhouses.

“Their prices are higher, but I don’t mind. I will buy that or tomatoes from Mexico or oranges from Brazil,” he said. “It’s finished. I’m not going to put money in goods that profit [off] that type of politics.”

For now, amid Trump’s mandate, the 78-year-old says he’ll keep his U.S. property, but won’t encourage others to come down south.

“If my daughter wants to go to Disneyland or if she wants to take a two-week vacation, I will give her the advice to go somewhere else,” said Dubois.

With a weaker loonie, Montreal-born real estate agent Alexandra Dupont, based near Fort Lauderdale, says snowbirds are trying to get rid of their Florida properties.

“Right now, a lot of the Canadians are selling, no matter where they’re from, Montreal, Quebec, Toronto,” she said.

“A lot of people are selling, mainly due to the dollar, the exchange rate, but there’s so many factors right now,” she added. “The tariffs going on this week, Trump, a lot of different factors that I’m seeing, and unfortunately we’re not having enough buyers, especially in the condo market,” explained Dupont.

Dubois is not one of those considering selling, as he feels the situation is temporary.

“I feel sad, but why should I sell my home and everything?” he questioned.

Dupont adds, “It’s hard because some people have to sell, so everyone has a different reason to sell, so it’s really hard.”

She said she and her clients are hoping the market stabilizes. “No one can predict the future, if it’s going to be better,” she said.

Trump’s 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods are on ice until March, and until then, Dubois will continue enjoying his warm winter.

“We’re surrounded by Americans that are very kind and they feel bad about it,” said Dubois.