(The Center Square) – Over the weekend, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis declared March 15 to be Colorado Canada Friendship Day, raising the Canadian flag over the state Capitol.
This comes as Polis and other Democrats across the state continue to take a stand against President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, expressing concerns about the impact they believe it will have on Colorado.
“Raising the Canadian flag today is symbolic of our friendship, showing that when we work together, even in challenging times, we grow our economy and make the people of both sovereign nations better off,” Polis said Saturday. “I am grateful for our friends to the north and look forward to annually celebrating Colorado Canada Friendship day,”
Canadians expressed their gratitude for Polis’ support.
“I am proud to see Canada’s flag flying alongside Colorado’s at the State Capitol, which reaffirms our partnership, friendship and alliance!” said Sylvain Fabi, consul general of Canada in Denver.
On the other hand, Colorado Republicans said they found the governor’s move concerning.
“Governor Polis seemingly cares more about Canada than he does about the well-being of Colorado families,” said Colorado Senate Republicans in a statement on social media.
While some Colorado-based businesses are supportive of the tariffs on foreign products, as reported by KOAA News 5, Democrats argue they will raise prices.
“So much for Trump’s promises to lower prices. His trade war will make basic groceries in Colorado more expensive,” said U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colorado.
Polis has been outspoken against the tariffs not just in Colorado, but also on the national and international stage.
He recently appeared on Canada’s CTV News Channel.
“There is a lot of love and support from the people of the United States for our friends and allies in Canada,” Polis said during that interview. “The impact [of tariffs] will very likely be a recession, both in the United States and in Canada.”
According to the governor’s office in 2023, Colorado exported $1.8 billion in Colorado goods and produce to Canada, accounting for 18% of all of the state’s trade exports. While many of the tariffs continue limbo, Polis said they are already having an economic impact on the state.
“The President’s devastating tariffs are creating market chaos, hurting business investment and damaging our economy, all while increasing fear over rising inflation and an economic recession,” he said. “Trump’s tariff tax is bad for Coloradans and businesses.”
In light of Trump’s tariff policies against Mexico, Polis is also working on plans for a Colorado Mexico Friendship Day.
