Quebec snowbirds seem much more interested in the fragility of the Canadian dollar and the weather than in the inauguration of President Donald Trump, observe French-speaking journalists from Florida.
• Also read: Tariffs avoided on Trump’s day 1: good day for the Canadian dollar
• Also read: No new tariffs imposed by Trump today: Canada can breathe one more day
“I won’t say that everyone who comes here loves it [Donald Trump]but there is a sort of indifference,” analyzes Michel Séguin, the journalist and editor of Carrefour Florida magazine.
The latter points out that in the current context with the upcoming departure of Justin Trudeau and possible federal elections, snowbirds are much more concerned about Quebec politics and Canadian politics, particularly because of the weakness of the dollar.
“The impact on the exchange rate, yes, it worries people, but the exchange rate started to fall well before [l’élection de Trump] », comments Mr. Séguin.
Without wishing to minimize the importance of the swearing-in of the new American president, the journalist and founder of Courrier des Amériques in Florida, Gwendal Gauthier recognizes for his part that Mr. Trump is not the number one subject currently.
“I spoke with some Quebecers at the swimming pool on Sunday and we didn’t discuss politics at all.”
-The impacts
He recalls that almost three months have passed since the election and that the Trump effect has diminished over time in this state which is favorable to Republicans.
Even that several citizens, including Quebecers who spend a few months in Florida, believe that “the economy is one of Donald Trump’s strengths,” he says.
Next fall, it will be easier to measure the impacts of the new Trump-era measures since the 2024-2025 snowbird season is already well underway at the end of January.
However, for vacationers who come to spend a week or two under the palm trees of Florida, the Trump effect could be felt.
“In the short term it can have an impact,” underlines Mr. Gauthier who concludes that the less mild temperatures than usual appear more disturbing than the ideas of the American president at the moment.
Related News :