Nivyabandi: For Canada, ‘elbows up’ in the Trump era must include defending human rights

Donald Trump’s tariff war and his outrageous taunts about annexing Canada have thrust the country into the direst political crisis in decades. (For women worldwide, there is something chillingly unsurprising about someone who has boasted about forcibly grabbing a woman’s body now wanting to “grab” a sovereign country.)

Naturally, his words and actions have sparked national outrage, anxiety, and a furious scramble among our federal and provincial leaders to convince the new U.S. administration to stand down. But emerging from this grim cloud is a hopeful silver lining — one that can, and must, guide Canada in the turbulent waters of a second Trump presidency.

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Canadians have found renewed common ground. Despite our many differences, our voices are rising in unison to assert a Canadian way of life that is distinct from the American project. A more humane one, too. The spontaneous chorus of “We are Canadian” erupting from coast to coast suggests we are prepared to defend our shared values and democratic institutions when our closest, most powerful allies stray off course.

‘In a world scrambling for moral leadership, Canada has a unique opportunity to assert itself as a beacon for human rights, common sense, and decency.’

Ketty Nivyabandi, Secretary General, Amnesty International Canada

This resurgence of patriotism should not stop at tariffs. President Trump’s medieval approach to global affairs — blatant in his Oval Office attack on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — and his administration’s disregard for human rights is thrusting the world into new, dangerous disorder. Whoever is elected to govern Canada this month will not only have to strengthen the country’s economic spine in the face of Trump but also reaffirm Canada’s distinct voice globally.

Drawing inspiration from history

In a world scrambling for moral leadership, Canada has a unique opportunity to assert itself as a beacon for human rights, common sense, and decency. We can draw inspiration from instances where Canada took principled stands that exposed major disagreements between us and the U.S. Famously, Canadian governments sat out calamitous U.S.-led military campaigns during the Vietnam and Second Iraq wars. In the mid-1980s, Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney championed economic sanctions against apartheid South Africa when his counterparts (and conservative political bedfellows) in the White House and 10 Downing Street would not.

These detours from the U.S.’s path remain sources of pride for Canadians. And they should inform Canada’s approach in 2025 and beyond. It is incumbent on politicians in Canada, and Canadians in general, to flex our independence by turning away from the anti-human-rights rhetoric and policies proffered by Trump.

While the spectre of mass deportation hangs over millions of migrants in the U.S., Canada can ensure that our refugee-protection system respects the Geneva Convention and people’s fundamental right to seek asylum. We can double down on our efforts to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change; to resolve the housing crisis for all, starting with the most vulnerable; to counter violence and discrimination towards those Trump has declared war against, including women, migrants, 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, Indigenous, Black and racialized people, religious minorities, and people with disabilities. Canada should also prepare itself to advocate for the human rights of U.S. citizens, as we have done for many others around the world.

None of this implies that Canada holds a spotless human rights record. Canada’s recent positions and policies on reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, climate change, anti-Black racism, and the protection of international law in Gaza have been uneven at best. Still, this moment can be a catalyst to right these wrongs and realize a profoundly Canadian aspiration: to do right by each other and make our world a better, more hospitable place. 

Trump’s first months in office have shaken Canada to its core. His administration is also making the world dangerously unsafe for everyone who is neither extremely wealthy nor powerful.

Beyond the instinctive urge to put our “elbows up,” we must take position and prepare to hold the flag of justice and human rights high in a ruleless world. History and our future allies will judge us not just by how well we protected Canadian interests, but also by how hard we worked to safeguard a more just world for all.

Ketty Nivyabandi is the Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada’s English-speaking section.