Dear Skagway Mayor Sam Bass, and Members of the Assembly

Hello from Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. 

I am writing to tell you that my family and I will be boycotting America, including your beautiful State of Alaska, until the tyranny of your president stops. The tariffs announced today are the equivalent of an economic declaration of war, and are intended to bully Canada and destroy our economy. Why? We are your loyal ally, neighbour and friend. Never in my life did I imagine America would threaten us in this way.

We will not spend a dollar in Skagway, or anywhere in America while your President continues with his threats to Canada’s economy and sovereignty, his threats to other peaceful nations, and his collaboration with the murderous dictator Putin. 

I am doing everything in my power to encourage my Canadian friends and family to #ChooseCanada, and boycott American travel and products. American’s need to feel the impact of Trump’s actions. Did you know Canadian visitors contribute $20 Billion to the US economy every year? For our part, in 2024 alone, my family visited Alaska on the following trips:

7 days in Gustavus sea kayaking

7 days in Hoonah halibut fishing (and two nights in Juneau on the way)

2 weekends in Skagway 

2 four-day trips to Haines  

On these trips we spent money on kayak rentals, groceries, gas, meals, hotels, ferries, float planes, a tour boat trip, gifts, alcohol, camping and a cabin rental. We loved every minute of it – the friendly people and sheer beauty of Alaska is incredible. So this is not an easy decision. 

I know you may not agree with all of the actions of your President. But you need to understand the implications of your leaders, and raise your voices against how America is treating its friends and allies. I urge you to send letters to your elected federal representatives calling out your President for his actions. Surely you agree that it is unacceptable for your President to bully and wage economic war on Canada, choose to align with Putin, and threaten the sovereignty of other peaceful nations? If so, I urge you to take a stand.

 Until then, I am staying on my side of the border. 

Your friend and neighbour, 

Christine Aikens

Whitehorse