Elbows up or down? Windsorites are mixed on returning to the U.S. post-midterms
Nov 7, 2026
Elbows up. It's been a rallying cry for Canadians in response
to U.S. tariffs and attacks on national sovereignty since last year.
There will
always be a Canada.
All right. Elbows up.
Elbows up.
It's been effective.
A drastic drop in Canadians crossing the border,
about a 31% decline since September of 2024.
But with Tuesday's midterms being a repudiation
of Donald Trump and his policies,
does it have people here reconsidering a visit to the U.S.?
I'm certainly going to be a little bit more comfortable.
Because I think Donald Trump,
he's going to be called to task if he hasn't been already.
One Sarnia resident is ready to lower his elbows.
We know that both sides of the border are suffering
because of this decision that many Canadians,
including myself and my wife, have made not to go over.
And we were those people that went over on a regular basis.
We were season ticket holders to the Red Wings.
All of that stopped when we were being assaulted
and insulted by Donald Trump.
And based on the quality of the victory, and I'm taking
that as a really positive sign that we can build on and move forward.
Across the border, this Ohio man hopes to see Canadians return.
A lot of us went out and knocked doors to make a change.
So to have this victory is so important to us.
And we're hoping that we're sending a signal
to all of you that it's not us, it's him.
But some Windsorites say they're not ready to go across just yet.
I'm still hesitant.
Why?
Because the leadership hasn't changed
and nothing's going to happen until January anyway.
The Canadians are still being kind of stopped
and searched at the border.
Everything's still crazy over there.
Last month, the Detroit Tourism Bureau told CBC
News it completely stopped marketing to Canada,
citing the strained relations between both countries.
But its CEO says the midterms may change that.
We've had some false starts as far as like,
maybe this is the time to start re-engaging with Canadian audiences,
but then found, you know what, things have deteriorated again.
So I'm hopeful and optimistic.
And again, I always believe that peace is inevitable.
He's expecting the midterms results will encourage some Canadians
to lower their elbows for good.
Justin Escoto, CBC News, Windsor.

