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The Democrats’ sweeping victories in the U.S. midterm elections may have changed the political landscape south of the border, but they haven’t convinced many Windsor residents to put their elbows down and start visiting the United States again.
Despite renewed optimism about the future of Canada-U.S. relations, some residents told CBC in interviews Thursday and Friday that they need to see meaningful changes in Washington before they’ll feel comfortable spending their money across the border.
“I’m still hesitant,” said Windsor resident John Deriks.
“Because the leadership hasn’t changed and nothing’s going to happen until January anyway until they take office.”
Tuesday’s elections handed Democrats control of both the House of Representatives and Senate, delivering a significant setback to U.S. President Donald Trump.
But for Monica Reid, the results aren’t enough to end her personal boycott.
“Not yet. Trump’s still in office. All Trump’s people are still running everything,” she said.
Reid said she remains concerned about safety when travelling to the United States and has no immediate plans to return.
“It’s a relief that people are voting … not necessarily pro-Democrat, but against Trump’s party,” she said.
“I’m gonna give it a couple of years.”
‘Elevated ‘ comfort level
Others see the results as an encouraging first step.
Douglas Weeks said he’s feeling more comfortable about the possibility of travelling south, although he isn’t rushing to make plans.
“I wouldn’t say that it’s going to make me eager, but I think when I do decide to go, the comfort level is going to be a little bit more elevated,” he said.
Weeks added that the weak Canadian dollar remains another obstacle.
Sean O’Neil expressed similar caution, saying he prefers spending his money in Canada for now.
“I think the elections in the States are a good sign, and if that direction continues and we start to have better trade agreements between our two countries, I think that’s where I could see myself being a bit more comfortable there.”
Detroit tourism officials reconsidering Canadian outreach
The hesitation comes after a prolonged decline in Canadian travel to the United States, fuelled by Trump’s tariffs and repeated suggestions that Canada should become the 51st state.
Statistics Canada reported Canadian return trips from the U.S. dropped 25 per cent in 2025 compared with the previous year.
Although travel began recovering modestly this spring, Canadian return trips from the U.S. in June remained 28.7 per cent below June 2024 levels.
Some say they’re feeling optimistic. Some say they’re waiting for concrete change.
Claude Molinari, president of Visit Detroit, said his organization is reconsidering its decision to pull back advertising in Canada following the election results.
“We’re definitely reconsidering our position,” Molinari told CBC’s Windsor Morning listeners forum Friday.
He said previous attempts to reconnect with Canadian audiences were abandoned when political tensions worsened.
“I’m hopeful and optimistic,” he said.
Molinari acknowledged the decline in Canadian visitors has hurt American tourism businesses.
“I’m looking forward to potentially increasing our Canadian visitation again,” he said.
Some Canadians ready to return
Not everyone believes the boycott should continue.
Sarnia resident Chris Treftlin said the election results have convinced him it’s time to rebuild relationships with American neighbours.
Treftlin and his wife previously crossed regularly into Michigan for dinners, movies and Detroit Red Wings games before stopping their visits.
“The short answer is yes,” he said when asked whether he was ready to lower his elbows.
He said the election results demonstrate that Americans are rejecting Trump’s policies.
A union leader and a worker at the Stellantis Windsor Assembly Plant say they are cautiously optimistic about the outcome.
But Kevin Young, an American listener from Lakewood, Ohio, urged Canadians to remain cautious.
Young said the boycott has sent an important message and Canadians should wait until progress is made on tariffs and relations between the countries.
“Once we start making progress against these tariffs and against all this nonsense that’s been coming out of this administration, then please start voting with your feet again and come across the border and spend,” he said.
