As tensions between the U.S. and Canada escalate, a wave of Canadian professionals is opting to cancel their business trips south of the border. What started with tariff threats has turned into significant anxiety, particularly after alarming reports of Canadians facing detention while trying to enter the U.S.

Tech entrepreneur Oscar Acosta, who leads the Ottawa-based startup Body M3canix, decided to bail on three conventions in the U.S. after hearing about the shocking ordeal of Canadian actress Jasmine Mooney, who was detained for 12 days and subsequently banned from the U.S. for five years. Acosta, who identifies as a visible minority, expressed his fears: "Given my background, will I encounter similar trouble?"

He’s not alone in feeling apprehensive. Businesses across Canada are pulling back on all sorts of corporate travel. According to Flight Centre Travel Group Canada, air travel between the two countries dropped nearly 40% year-over-year in February due to a surge in cancellations. Managing Director Chris Lynes reported that the anxiety related to U.S. immigration policies has sparked a frenzied pullout from U.S.-based conferences.

From banking to manufacturing, companies are reconsidering their travel plans, even risking penalties for cancellations. Lynes detailed how one banking client scrapped six programs that included popular destinations like New York, Dallas, and Las Vegas.

Even within travel agencies, an understanding culture is emerging. Lynes has assured employees that their concerns about crossing the border for a corporate event this summer are valid, acknowledging the fear that many feel.

Moreover, the ripple effect of these cancellations could extend well into 2027, with events that once would have been set in the U.S. now being explored for venues in Canada, Mexico, or beyond. This shift comes as many Canadians exhibit a sense of economic patriotism fueled by real threats of tariffs and derogatory remarks from U.S. officials.

Even with mounting tensions, some companies are choosing to push forward with plans. The Royal LePage conference in Nashville is set to proceed, as costs have already been incurred, despite some staff feeling uneasy about attending.

The trend isn’t just affecting corporate retreats. Data from Statistics Canada indicates a dramatic 32% drop in car trips to the U.S. and a 13.5% decline in flights home from the U.S. by Canadians last month.

For entrepreneurs like Acosta, the decision to cancel travel isn’t taken lightly. He had invested time and resources in preparing for investor meetings in Boston and a California conference. Even with all preparations made, he ultimately decided safety outweighed opportunities.

"Why would I put myself at risk?" he questioned, illustrating the tough choices that many Canadian professionals are facing amid these charged cross-border relationships.