Earlier this month an anonymous American purchased advertising space on billboards in Vancouver to express regret over the treatment Canada has received from the U.S. government.
The ads appeared in downtown Vancouver, featuring a maple leaf and the message: “Dear Canada, we are so very, very, very sorry. Your American friends.”
One Vancouver resident posted on X, writing: “One day, America, we can be normal neighbors again. Until then, it seems as though that your voters and activists have some work
to
do.”
One day, America, we can be normal neighbors again. Until then, it seems as though that your voters and activists have some work to do. https://t.co/eZUFQryTWS
— Peter Kelly 🇨🇦 (@PeterKellyBC) April 15, 2025
The individual behind the ads told a Vancouver TV station that he was distressed by the
disrespectful treatment of Canada
by the U.S. government and emphasized this was a personal initiative, not backed by any organization. However, he said the message reflects the sentiments of many Americans.
The campaign began with paper
posters on kiosks and utility poles
before moving to illuminated billboards.
A few of the ad-posters seen around the city were captured in posts to r/vancouver, a Metro Vancouver community reddit site.
The ads were expected to remain up for about two weeks, with the possibility of returning in different locations or with varied wording but maintaining the same overall message.
Reactions expressed by residents ranged from “delightful” to “sweet.” Many
that the sentiment of embarrassment and empathy from Americans is genuine, given the current political climate and strained relations between the two countries. Some passersby found the ads a bit “corny” or described them as a “weird way to apologize,” but still recognized the underlying sentiment as genuine and empathetic.
Several Vancouverites noted that they have American friends or family who share similar feelings of embarrassment and regret over the current state of U.S.-Canada relations.
In addition to these ads, there has been a broader trend of Americans expressing apologies to Canadians through
, particularly in response to U.S. government policies and rhetoric that have negatively impacted the Canada-U.S. relationship.
One letter writer from upstate New York to the
wrote: “
Wishing that this dark time will soon pass.”
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