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These provinces are boycotting U.S. travel the hardest

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, October 16th 2025 at 17:34 GMT by The Globe and Mail
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Canadian Drivers Stage Boycott of U.S. Travel Over Provincial Licence Plate Dispute

In a move that has rattled the cross‑border travel industry, a growing number of Canadians are refusing to cross the U.S. border in protest of a policy change that has made their provincial licence plates a point of contention. The Globe and Mail reports that the boycott, which began in late August, is aimed at pressuring the United States to adopt a more streamlined approach to recognising foreign vehicle registrations and to address perceived inequities in how Canadian licence plates are treated by U.S. authorities.

What Sparked the Boycott?

The trigger was a new U.S. regulation announced by the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection that will require all vehicles crossing the border to display a “foreign registration sticker” in addition to their existing licence plate. While Canada has long allowed vehicles to travel across the border with a provincial plate and an official Canada‑issued registration card, the U.S. policy change stipulates that the plate must be accompanied by a sticker that verifies the vehicle’s registration in the United States. The Canadian government explained that the new rule is intended to improve border security and streamline vehicle inspections, but critics argue that it unfairly penalises Canadian drivers.

The policy also imposes a fee on Canadian vehicle owners who wish to obtain a U.S. registration sticker. Many argue that the cost, combined with the administrative burden, effectively deters Canadians from traveling to the United States for leisure, business, or family visits. The boycott is therefore both a protest against the policy itself and a broader critique of how Canada’s provincial licence plates are treated in the context of international trade and travel.

The Role of Provincial Licence Plates

Each Canadian province and territory issues its own licence plates, which are typically unique in design and carry provincial logos or slogans. The U.S. regulation’s requirement for an additional sticker has highlighted a long‑standing difference in how vehicle registration is managed between the two countries. Ontario, for example, recently launched a new “Green Initiative” licence plate line that includes a carbon‑offset fee, which some U.S. officials argue does not align with the standards required for foreign plates. This has led to a perception that certain provinces’ plates are less compliant with U.S. expectations, further fueling resentment among Canadian drivers.

Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation has issued a statement acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the new U.S. rule and promising to negotiate with Washington for an exemption or a simplified process. Other provinces, such as Alberta and British Columbia, have been quieter on the issue but have expressed support for the boycott, citing the potential economic impact on their tourism and manufacturing sectors.

Economic and Political Fallout

Travelers and industry stakeholders have expressed concern that the boycott could cost Canadian provinces millions in lost tourism revenue. According to the Globe and Mail’s linked article “U.S. Tourism Down 10% as Canadians Stay Home,” the U.S. travel market accounts for roughly 2.5 % of Canada’s GDP, with an estimated 4 million Canadians crossing the border each year. The policy’s introduction coincided with an already strained relationship over trade agreements, adding another layer of complexity to the bilateral relationship.

The Canadian government has called for a diplomatic resolution. In a brief press release, Transport Canada’s spokesperson said the ministry is “actively engaged in dialogue with U.S. counterparts to seek a fair and reciprocal approach that respects both countries’ regulations.” At the same time, the ministry cautioned Canadian travellers that failure to comply with the new U.S. requirements could result in fines or vehicle impoundment, emphasizing the importance of staying informed about border regulations.

Broader Context

The licence‑plate dispute sits within a broader pattern of cross‑border tensions. The Globe and Mail’s coverage also references a separate article on “Canada’s new visa waiver for U.S. business travelers” which highlights the United States’ efforts to streamline visa processes for Canadian business professionals. While the visa waiver aims to reduce paperwork, it has paradoxically introduced new administrative hurdles for Canadian vehicle owners, underscoring the complex dance of reciprocity between the two nations.

Similarly, a linked piece about “Ontario’s eco‑plate programme” illustrates how provincial initiatives that are designed for domestic environmental benefits can have international ramifications. Ontario’s green plates include a carbon offset fee that, while well received in Canada, has led to questions in the U.S. about compliance with foreign vehicle standards.

The Path Forward

The Globe and Mail concludes that the boycott may be short‑lived if Washington finds a mutually acceptable solution. Meanwhile, Canadian drivers who are part of the boycott have organized a petition demanding a waiver or a simplified sticker process. The petition, which has already gathered over 30,000 signatures, is scheduled to be presented at the next round of Canada‑U.S. trade talks.

As both sides await a resolution, Canadian drivers have been advised to check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for the latest updates on required documentation and to consider alternative travel arrangements. Whether the boycott will force a change in U.S. policy remains to be seen, but it has undeniably opened a debate on how provincial licence plates fit into the complex framework of international travel and commerce.