Demonstrators say that they want a stronger relationship between the U.S. and Canadian governments
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Canadian flags were waving on the U.S. side of Niagara Falls on Saturday, as Western New Yorkers came together to show their support for a stronger relationship between the United States and Canada.
“We stand in solidarity with our Canadian neighbors, “said Kate Powers, co-organizer of Elbows Up for Canada.
The event was part of a series of “Elbows Up for Canada” rallies taking place across the county, from Maine to Detroit and several parts of New York State.
Organizers say the gatherings aim to call attention to what they describe as growing tensions between the United States and Canada. Tensions that they say have escalated since a tariff dispute began in April.
It wasn’t just Niagara Falls. A second Elbows Up rally took place earlier in the day at Buffalo’s Freedom Park.
“Canada has to stand on its own two feet,” one demonstrator said. “But we also have to be neighbors—good neighbors—and share and help each other.”
Both rallies were staged within sight of the Canadian border and come just as Visit Buffalo Niagara launches updates to its “Buffalo Loves Canada” campaign—a longtime tourism push aimed at strengthening cross-border travel and connection.
“We’ve updated our Buffalo Loves Canada graphic and we’re encouraging the local community to use it,” said Patrick Kaler, President and CEO of Visit Buffalo Niagara. “We’re still seeing over a 20 percent decrease in cross-border traffic … and in our overall website traffic from Canadians.”
As new campaigns and community action continue to roll out this week, organizers say the goal is to keep the conversation going.
“We’re going to continue,” one demonstrator said. “It’s the least we can do.”