Canadian government puts billboards up in Metro Atlanta over tariffs

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Billboards paid for by the Canadian government have gone up around Metro Atlanta, warning about the price of tariffs.

“I was a little surprised. I was driving to Emory, it was a digital billboard, it said something to the effect of tariffs are a tax on your groceries, and it was brought to you by the government of Canada and I was like, ‘Oh. That’s an interesting little take,‘” said Dr. Tom Jones, an economics professor at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School.

A surprising message over Metro Atlanta: “Tariffs are a tax…” some signs saying on groceries, some saying at the gas pump, but all saying paid for by the government of Canada.

“People watching us in the States are the only ones that can really influence what’s going on in the white house because they’re the victims,” said Melanie Joly, the Canadian Foreign Minister.

The United States and Canada are currently in what some economists would call a trade war since President Donald Trump proposed 25% tariffs on the country.

Canada responded with a threat to implement nearly $21 billion in retaliatory tariffs.

“For another country to reach out to consumers directly is a fairly novel approach. I thought it was interesting for sure,” said Dr. Smith.

Not everyone is receptive to the message.

“For Canada to make that statement it really shows their lack of respect to America,” said Tren Greene, who lives in Atlanta.

Or thinks it’s the best way to make a point.

“I think it’s interesting. I mean obviously they have a message they want to send and I guess they thought this was the best way to do it,” said Aiden Connolly, who lives in Atlanta. “Today I’m not sure if that’s the best way. There’s lots of social media.”

But they certainly have people talking.

“Anytime you can have a dialogue about economic policy, especially economic policy that hits consumers right in their wallet, I think it’s valuable to have that dialogue,” said Dr. Smith.

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