Trudeau Meets with Provincial Leaders to Address Imminent Trump Tariffs
Canadian officials pledge a firm response to looming 25-percent U.S. tariffs threatened by Donald Trump.
Montreal, Canada – As U.S. President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has convened a meeting with provincial leaders to strategize against impending U.S. tariffs that could significantly impact the country’s economy.
In a statement posted on social media Wednesday, Trudeau reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to a strong economic partnership with the United States but warned of potential retaliatory measures should the tariffs proceed.
“None of us want to see tariffs disrupt the successful partnership between Canada and the U.S.,” he said. “But we will be ready with a strong, national response if necessary.”
Trump’s Tariff Threat
Trump has vowed to impose a 25-percent tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods on his first day in office, citing concerns over irregular migration and drug trafficking across U.S. borders. The proposed measures, announced shortly after his election victory in November, have fueled apprehension among Canadian politicians and business leaders, who are urging Trudeau to prevent them from taking effect.
One of Trudeau’s close allies, former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, resigned in December, citing disagreements over how Canada should respond to the looming tariffs.
“We need to take that threat extremely seriously,” Freeland stated in her resignation letter.
Trade between Canada and the U.S. is a cornerstone of both economies, with goods and services worth approximately $2.7 billion ($3.6 billion CAD) exchanged daily in 2023, according to Canadian government data.
Canada’s Potential Retaliatory Measures
Since Trump’s tariff announcement, Trudeau—who is set to step down as prime minister once the Liberal Party elects a new leader in early March—has emphasized the