The American Bar Association (ABA) is holding its annual meeting in Toronto, starting Monday, with over 1,700 attendees expected. The gathering comes at a time of heightened trade tensions between the United States and Canada. Ironically, the ABA will be welcomed by an honor guard of re-enactors dressed in the red uniforms of British soldiers from the War of 1812, a conflict in which American troops captured and burned the city of York, now Toronto.

The meeting will address various issues, including concerns over intimidation tactics used by U.S. President Donald Trump’s law firm. The decision to have the Fort York Guard, representing America's historical adversary, greet the delegates was made by the ABA's house of delegates. This choice has drawn attention, especially given the current political climate.

Donald Hickey, a retired history professor and expert on the War of 1812, commented on the significance of the honor guard. He noted, "The American Bar Association, like so many professional associations in the United States, leans left. So, they’re going to come up with a plan there that maybe makes a statement to maybe twist Trump’s nose, as it were, the way the Americans used to twist the British alliance’s tail."

Hickey expressed optimism that the U.S. and Canada will eventually resolve their trade disputes, despite the tensions exacerbated by Trump's comments suggesting Canada could become the 51st state.

Don Cranston, who leads the Friends of Fort York, expressed enthusiasm for the ABA's choice of an honor guard. He believes it reflects a desire to acknowledge the strong relationship between the two nations. "Their membership is very appreciative of the past relationship with Canada, and I think they are, in a way, trying to say, ‘Hey, we’ve never had a closer friend. Why are we alienating our closest friend?’" Cranston said.

He also highlighted the historical context, noting that British forces retaliated for the burning of Fort York by marching on Washington, D.C., and burning the White House in 1814. Cranston hopes that the presence of the honor guard will foster a spirit of cooperation among the American lawyers. "But, in my mind, the guard also signifies that if we have to fight, we will," he added.

Jonathan Cole, who heads the ABA's house of delegates, downplayed any political implications of the honor guard's presence. He emphasized that the Toronto meeting had been planned for years, predating the current trade issues. "It’s a good chance to work together despite political issues," Cole said. He noted that the event will include the presentation of both the American and Canadian flags, along with the singing of both national anthems.

The War of 1812 remains a significant chapter in the history of U.S.-Canada relations. Hickey described it as "essentially Canada’s war of independence — and they won, so it is far better to remember that we have worked together since then as great allies." The ABA's meeting in Toronto serves as a reminder of the complex history and ongoing partnership between the two nations.