HALIFAX - U.S. senators are voicing concerns about the state of relations between the United States and Canada, particularly in light of recent tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Senator Angus King of Maine highlighted the personal impact of these tariffs during an international security conference in Halifax on Saturday. He stated, "Like any neighbours, there’s always going to be issues back and forth, and we’ve been fighting about softwood lumber for as long as I could remember. But the deeper problem is the cultural break; the idea that Canadians don’t think of Americans as their friends and neighbours, but as adversaries."

The Halifax International Security Forum, which began on Friday, has drawn over 300 delegates from various sectors, including politics, academia, and military leadership. This year's focus is on democracy, but discussions about Canada-U.S. relations sparked a lively debate among the attendees.

King, one of only two Independents in the U.S. Senate, expressed particular concern for the rift between the two nations, especially given his state's proximity to Canada. He remarked, "Being from a state where we have people going across the border to get a haircut … it’s a sad day. And if there was some point to it, that would be one thing. But there was no benefit to the United States imposing these ridiculous tariffs."

In response, Republican Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina acknowledged the historical trade disputes between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of their democratic ties, stating, "I know that if we were under threat, we would come to each others’ aid." However, he also criticized Canada for not meeting its NATO financial obligations, claiming Ottawa owes over $300 billion to the alliance. Tillis said, "Every prime minister has said the same thing, ‘We’re going to get to it,’ and they never got to it."

Former Congresswoman Jane Harman, a Democrat from California, countered Tillis's claims by noting that Canada has recently committed to increasing its defense spending. In June, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a plan to raise defense spending by $9 billion by March of the following year, aiming to reach two percent of Canada’s GDP. Tillis dismissed this commitment, asking, "That’s lovely, but could we do a makeup for the 20 years of shortfall payments as well?"

Senator Kevin Cramer, a Republican from North Dakota, supported King’s concerns about the cultural divide. He noted that the tensions have resulted in fewer Canadians traveling to the U.S. for leisure activities, such as shopping and hotel stays. Cramer stated, "There’s become a tension. Those numbers are down because people are angry."

Despite the challenges, Cramer expressed hope for improvement in relations. He said, "Our relationship with Canadians is very personal. The best way to fix this is to get back to the negotiating table and fix whatever it is that separates us on trade. People in both countries are anxious to reunite."