3 Feb: Canada and the United States have agreed to a temporary deal, postponing planned tariffs for at least 30 days while negotiations continue. The agreement, announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and confirmed by U.S. President Donald Trump, includes significant measures to enhance border security and combat organized crime.
As part of the deal, Canada is implementing a $1.3 billion border plan, which includes deploying new helicopters, advanced technology, additional personnel, and enhanced coordination with American authorities to curb fentanyl trafficking. Nearly 10,000 frontline personnel will be involved in strengthening border security.
Additionally, Canada has committed to appointing a ‘Fentanyl Czar’, designating cartels as terrorist organizations, implementing 24/7 border surveillance, and launching a Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force to tackle organized crime, fentanyl smuggling, and money laundering. Trudeau has also signed a new intelligence directive on fentanyl and organized crime, backed by $200 million in funding.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford welcomed the temporary pause on tariffs, emphasizing that it provides time for further negotiations and prevents economic harm. He confirmed that Ontario will also pause its retaliatory measures but warned that if tariffs resume, the province will not hesitate to remove U.S. products from LCBO shelves or restrict American companies from provincial procurement. Ford also stressed the ongoing uncertainty in Canada-U.S. trade relations, cautioning that Trump may continue using tariffs as leverage in future negotiations. He urged Canada and the U.S. to remain united against China in the broader trade battle.
Trump, responding on Truth Social, reaffirmed the deal and stressed that his priority remains protecting American interests. He expressed satisfaction with the initial agreement while leaving the door open for further negotiations on a long-term economic arrangement.
