Canada ‘elbows up’ as Carney backs down on digital tax to have trade deal with Trump

‘Elbows up’, a slogan that began as a protest against President Donald Trump’s tariffs, has now become somewhat ironic after Canada resumed trade talks with the US. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that his government had dropped its plan to tax American technology companies.

Many Canadians took to social media to share their disappointment, with some calling the move an “elbows down” decision.

Others mocked the government, posting comments such as: “Good job, Liberals! You got duped! ‘Elbows up’ actually means tariffs up!”

“We are starting to get a sense of the character of the government and that it is a kind of chicken dance government. It is elbows up, elbows back down, elbows up, elbows back down.” pic.twitter.com/CD8pA2QUlk

— Garnett Genuis (@GarnettGenuis) June 30, 2025

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“We are starting to get a sense of the character of the government, and that it’s a kind of chicken-dance government. It’s elbows up, elbows back down, elbows up, elbows back down,” said Canada’s Shadow Minister of Employment, Garnett Genuis.

Origins of ‘elbows up’ slogan

‘Elbows up’ became a slogan Canadians used to show resistance against US trade pressure. The phrase comes from hockey, where players keep their elbows up to protect themselves and hold their ground in tight situations.

Once again, President TRUMP said this morning that Canada should be the 51st STATE 😅 buckle up 🇨🇦

Good job liberals! You got duped!! eLbOwS uP actually means Tariffs UP! eLbOwS uP 🤡#crocan #liberals #canada #usa #trump #trump51ststate #the51ststate #51ststate #trumpwhisperer pic.twitter.com/lVCdHBSySl

— Mark 🇨🇦 (@ProudCanuck78) June 29, 2025

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It grew popular after comedian Mike Myers used it in a sketch on Saturday Night Live, and Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed it in speeches to signal Canada’s determination during disputes over US tariffs and political tensions.

• Started in hockey, meaning to protect yourself and push back

• Became a national slogan, appearing on signs, merchandise, and in political speeches, reflecting Canada’s resolve to defend its economic and political interests

Trade talks back on track as Carney backs down

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Sunday that trade talks with the United States have resumed after Canada dropped its plan to tax American tech companies.

US President Donald Trump had paused trade discussions on Friday because of Canada’s proposed Digital Services Tax, which he called “a direct and blatant attack on our country.” The Canadian government announced it would cancel the tax “in anticipation” of a trade deal. The tax was due to take effect on Monday. Carney’s office confirmed that he and Trump had agreed to restart negotiations.

“Today’s announcement will help resume talks aiming for the 21 July 2025 deadline we set at this month’s G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis,” Carney said in a statement.