Canadians cancel U.S. business trips amid fears of detention

In recent months, Canadians have significantly reduced their travel to the United States for business purposes. This trend has been primarily driven by concerns over potential detention at the border, a fear amplified by the case of actress Jasmine Mooney, who was banned from the U.S. for five years after a work visa issue. Statistics show that business travel by air between Canada and the U.S. plummeted by nearly 40% year-over-year in February, highlighting the widespread impact of these fears. Additionally, a report from Statistics Canada indicated a 32% decline in Canadian return visits by car from the U.S. in the same timeframe. This decrease affects various sectors and businesses, leading to cancellations of trips that were planned as far out as 2027. The atmosphere of political tension and tariffs between the two countries has contributed to these cancellations, as many Canadians express reluctance to travel south of the border. The current political climate, including trade wars and hostile rhetoric from U.S. officials towards Canada, has further exacerbated fears, creating an environment where even leisure travel is influenced. For instance, Canadian fans of NHL teams often hesitate to attend games in the U.S. during the playoffs, reflecting broader anxieties about traveling amid stringent border controls. The NHL playoffs currently feature several Canadian teams, yet, fans display reluctance to cross into the U.S. If this trend persists, analysts warn the U.S. economy could face substantial losses. The U.S. Travel Association has predicted that a sustained drop in Canadian visitors could lead to over $6 billion in economic losses. In response, some U.S. officials are attempting to improve relations, with California's Governor Gavin Newsom actively encouraging Canadians to visit, emphasizing the hospitality and attractions available, in a bid to counter the declining numbers.