Vancouver (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian musician Matthew Good has cancelled his upcoming U.S. tour dates, citing political tensions and concerns over President Donald Trump’s administration as key reasons behind his decision.
The Vancouver-born rocker, best known for hits like Load Me Up, announced on social media that he would not proceed with shows scheduled in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo this week.
Good pointed to Ottawa’s recent decision to scrap its proposed digital services tax as a major factor. Late last month, Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed Canada would drop plans for the tax as part of renewed trade negotiations with the U.S.
In his post, Good accused Canada of “backing down” to “appease” Trump’s government and said the tax was essential revenue that should not have been abandoned.
“I can’t stand by and be quiet while our amazing country is bullied into walking away from billions in needed revenue, constantly left wondering if we actually have a partner or an enemy to the south,” Good wrote.
He added that he had previously refrained from criticizing Trump publicly, fearing it might jeopardize his ability to cross the border or obtain a visa.
Good encouraged fans to support Texas King, the Canadian band that was set to join him on the cancelled dates.
The digital services tax, now shelved, would have imposed levies on major tech companies operating online marketplaces, advertising platforms, and social media services, as well as those profiting from user data.
