No matter how far north Lee Selleck gets, it doesn't seem like it's ever enough to completely take him out of the States.

"I really can't escape my American citizenship," he said.

Selleck was born in Wisconsin and did a chunk of his education in America, but he's called Canada his home for decades and described himself as being primarily Canadian.

He and other Americans who find themselves in the territory can be few and far between. Amidst the tariff war between Canada and the U.S., the threat of annexation and a murky future between either country, his background can personify just how intertwined both nations are.

"There's a lot in common on many levels," said Selleck, pointing to people, historical events and sports that see a mix of the two countries.

Given how often they cross paths, Selleck described a potential tariff war as ridiculous. He said he voted in the last U.S. election as well.

"I'm entitled to vote and I thought, 'Well, okay. I'm voting'," said Selleck.

And if you're wondering, it was not for Donald Trump.

"I thought he would be a disaster and he's living up to the term," he said about Trump.

Even as an American citizen, Selleck said he supports the movement to boycott American products and instead buy Canadian, adding he's got nothing against Americans and that many of them also did not vote for Trump. 

According to the Association of Americans Resident Overseas, as of October 2024. Statistics Canada has also reported that the U.S. in Canada in 2021, with a quarter of a million births. 

Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart said he'd be turning more of his attention to Canadian companies, using the example of getting his coffee from local businesses such as Javaroma and Barren Ground Coffee instead of Starbucks.

But what about those working at the Yellowknife Starbucks location? Are they entitled to suffer from any boycott? It's a decision Canadians will have to make for themselves, said Testart.

"This is an unfortunate decision but right now, Canadians need to know that we have each other's backs and that means supporting Canadian companies," he said. "No one wants to be here, but we have to protect Canada's interest first and we have to protect Northerners first. And we have to be willing, as Canadians and Northerners, to pay the price to stand up to Donald Trump and the Americans."

Testart also said he's not surprised by Trump's introduction of tariffs against Canada and Mexico, describing it as the "dumbest trade war in history."

"Our economy's are completely integrated from the auto sector to the energy sector. Canada and the U.S. are one big North American economy," said Testart. "This is a war between brothers and sisters and it makes no sense."

He added that Americans will end up paying more for their cost of living and lose jobs over this trade war and it is not a problem that will go away quickly, either.

But, it also presents an opportunity for Canadian companies to rise to the occasion - Testart pointed to the NWT Brewing Company as a chance for more people to support and grow a local business.

"I want to see every shelf full of NWT beer and I want our government to make sure it happens because this is a time to buy local and support Northern businesses and Canadian businesses," he said.

When Trump's tariffs were first planned to hit in early February, the GNWT said the territory will be ready to respond alongside other governments in Canada to protect the interest of NWT residents and Canadians.

A month later when asked what that response is now, the GNWT stated it wouldn't be able to provide a statement in time for publication.