Tuesday, February 18, 2025
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PM Trudeau warns of retaliation as Trump eyes tariffs on Canadian imports from February 1

21 January: As U.S. President Donald Trump considers imposing tariffs on Canadian imports starting February 1, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has reiterated Canada’s readiness to respond. Speaking at a press conference after a cabinet retreat in Montebello, Quebec, Trudeau positioned Canada as an essential partner for Trump’s vision of a “golden age” for the U.S. economy.

Trudeau emphasized that Canada supplies critical resources such as steel, aluminum, and energy, which are vital to achieving Trump’s economic goals. “Canada is a safe, secure, and reliable partner in an uncertain world,” he stated, underlining the deep economic ties between the two countries, with bilateral trade amounting to nearly C$1.4 trillion annually.

Trump’s tariff threat, which includes a possible 25% levy on Canadian and Mexican imports, has prompted swift reactions from Canadian officials. Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly expressed that the comments were expected, while Trudeau stressed that Canada remains confident in the strength of its trade relationship with the U.S.

The federal government has outlined a three-stage retaliation plan if tariffs are imposed. The response would begin with tariffs on select American consumer goods, such as Kentucky bourbon and Florida orange juice, followed by expanded measures on goods worth $37 billion, and potentially an additional $110 billion in manufacturing and other sectors. Trudeau affirmed, “Everything is on the table,” including dollar-for-dollar countermeasures, with support measures planned for Canadian businesses and consumers affected by the trade war.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith expressed concerns over Canada’s ability to negotiate effectively, citing the federal government’s weakened position amid an impending non-confidence vote that could trigger a spring election. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has called for Parliament to be recalled to strategize Canada’s retaliation plan against what he termed Trump’s “unjustified” tariffs.

Meanwhile, Canada’s Ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman, highlighted that Trump’s latest comments have brought urgency to discussions with U.S. officials. Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne stated that American lawmakers understand the consequences of imposing tariffs on Canada and emphasized the importance of Canada as a strategic trade partner.

Despite the escalating tensions, Trudeau reassured Canadians that the government is prepared for all possible scenarios and remains focused on maintaining stability and economic strength.

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