Canadian officials boycott annual July 4th party at US ambassador’s compound over tensions with Trump
The start of July is traditionally a time for patriotic celebration on both sides of the 49th parallel border, with America toasting Canada Day and the tribute being returned three days later as Canadians raise their glasses to America's Independence Day.
That unique celebration, like most aspects of the relationship between the two countries, has been threatened by the unraveling of kinship between the two countries in the era of President Donald Trump.
The traditional Fourth of July picnic at the America ambassador's residence in Ottawa has been the "talk of the town" in years past, CTV News reported. This year, however, they are expecting one fourth of the revelers to attend, with the guest list being shrunk from over 4,000 people to approximately 1,000.
"While some in the Ottawa social circuit bemoan having been left out this year, some who made the cut say they plan to stay away out of principle," CTV explained. "Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and interim Ontario Liberal leader John Fraser are among those giving the event a pass, citing trade tensions and ongoing concerns with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump."
"While he will not be attending the July 4th celebrations, Mr. Singh knows that it will take more than symbolic gestures to successfully pressure the Trump administration," a spokesperson for Singh told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
"Given the current political climate, I don't think it would be appropriate," Fraser said in a statement. "I wish all of my American friends a happy Fourth of July."