Canada sends Trump 'message' with retaliatory tariff talk
Canada must send a “message” to President-elect Trump on tariffs, one of the country's provincial leaders said Wednesday alongside Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who described the threatened levies as unnecessary.
The outgoing leader said Canada would "respond, purposefully, forcefully and resolutely" if the Trump administration implemented tariffs.
“There’s no sugarcoating it,” Trudeau said alongside several provincial premiers. “The incoming administration’s proposed tariffs against Canada would harm Americans. It would put American jobs at risk. It would put our collective security at risk.
“It would raise costs at a time when people simply need, simply deserve, a break,” he added. “And perhaps most crucially, they’re not necessary. Our trading relationship is the envy of the world, and the better path forward is to make it stronger.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford called for tough retaliation.
“There’s never been a time that’s more important for Canadians to be united, to stand up and making sure that our voice is heard," he said.
“We have to send a message, when someone comes up and tries to destroy our economy, it’ll be devastating for Canadians," he added.
The president-elect has said he would enact 25 percent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods, while adding an extra 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods.
The aim of the tariffs, according to Trump, is to press the countries to increase their efforts on border security and combatting fentanyl exports to the U.S.
“Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem. We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!” Trump said on Truth Social in November.
Earlier this month, the president-elect suggested Canada merge with the U.S., saying on Truth Social that with the combination of the two countries, “there would no Tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE from the threat of the Russian and Chinese Ships that are constantly surrounding them.”
The Hill has reached out to Trudeau’s office, Ford’s office, the Quebec premier, the Alberta premier and the British Columbia premier.
“President Trump has promised tariff policies that protect the American manufacturers and working men and women from the unfair practices of foreign companies and foreign markets. As he did in his first term, he will implement economic and trade policies to make life affordable and more prosperous for our nation,” Trump transition spokesperson Brian Hughes said in an emailed statement to The Hill.
When reached for comment, a Wednesday statement from Trudeau and Canadian provincial leaders was noted by Canada's diplomatic office, Global Affairs Canada. In the statement, the leaders said they "agreed that Canada is a proud and sovereign nation, committed to upholding its values and responsibilities on the global stage. "
"As a strong, independent country, we make decisions that reflect the best interests of our citizens, while actively contributing to global peace and stability," they added.
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