This week at the summit of North American leaders, President Obama discussed his stimulus plan, which is aimed at improving the U.S. economy. It includes a "buy American" clause that requires projects funded with stimulus money to use only American goods.

Guess who's up in arms?

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Prime Minister Harper is concerned that if America switches to products made in the US of A instead of buying those made in Canada, his country will suffer a significant financial blow.

That's exactly what we've been saying!

By boycotting Canadian maple syrup—one of Canada's major revenue sources—consumers can help pressure the government to end the annual seal slaughter.

You heard the prime minister—buy American! But before you head out to the supermarket, check out these pictures from our latest demonstration outside the Canadian Consulate in Denver, Colorado:

Posted by Liz Graffeo

sacbee / CC

Catch this small sampling of the terrific responses we're getting to PETA's Canadian maple syrup boycott:

• Joan Cushman wrote, "Canadians need to start a revolution in their own country to help the seal pups, and so when I hear it from the Canadian maple syrup makers that they are telling the government to quit, I'll support them again."



• Alan Tarpin wrote, "The Canadian fish boycott is great, but I don't eat fish, so thanks for giving me something I can do. I've done up a flier about it and pushed one under every door in my apartment building."



• Richard Ling wrote, "Sad that people listen to their business interests over their hearts. I have always loved Canadian maple syrup, hell there's a good reason the maple leaf's on their flag. This boycott is brilliant because it calls them out on an iconic product that everyone associates with Canada. I hope these guys write in support of an end to the seal killing soon so I can buy it again. Honest, I'm suffering here!"

And a special thanks to the restaurants and pancake houses that have already pledged not to buy Canadian maple syrup—at least until this massacre ends. Economic pressure is what often makes the difference.

Perhaps best of all are the pictures we've received of people throwing their Canadian maple syrup bottles in the trash can. A picture is worth a thousand words, as they say. In this case, they're worth about 338,000 (that's the "quota" of baby seals who were clubbed to death this year).

We'd definitely love to see more of these pictures so we can show Canada that its reputation is in the trash can—literally. You can submit your photos here with your name, hometown, and a heartfelt message to the Canadian government. Then look for your picture here on the PETA Files later this month.

Posted by Shawna Flavell

When it comes to what we drizzle on our pancakes, grits, and oatmeal, we've all got our preferences. If, like me, you prefer pure maple syrup over Aunt Jemima or Log Cabin (corn) syrup, taking a minute to see where your favorite restaurants' syrup comes from—and encouraging them not to buy the stuff imported from Canada—can help put an end to the seal slaughter.

Why maple syrup?

Canada produces about 85 percent of the world's maple syrup, an industry that rakes in around $C213 million each year. Our newest campaign encourages restaurants and grocery chains to boycott Canada's multimillion-dollar syrup industry. By persuading businesses to sign our pledge, you'll be letting the Canadian government know that the country is going to get a serious hit in the wallet unless it declares an end to the seal massacre.

If your local eatery is already using American maple syrup, pour it on thick (it's safe to use Aunt Jemima and Log Cabin too) and thank the owner that no seal blood was spilled for your breakfast or brinner.

Posted by Shawna Flavell