Canada Responds to Trump’s Tariffs: Calls for Retaliation and Unity \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Canadian leaders strongly condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on Canadian imports and energy. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau vowed to fight back, while opposition leaders called for retaliatory tariffs and economic protections. Premiers across Canada warned of job losses and urged swift government action. With trade tensions escalating, Canada faces a critical moment in its economic and diplomatic relationship with the U.S.
Trump Tariffs on Canada: Quick Looks
- Trump Imposes Tariffs: The U.S. will impose 25% tariffs on most Canadian imports and 10% on energy products starting February 4.
- Trudeau Vows Retaliation: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada is prepared to respond and will address the nation.
- Opposition Leaders React: Pierre Poilievre and Jagmeet Singh demand retaliatory tariffs and economic protections for Canadian workers.
- Premiers Condemn Tariffs: Doug Ford, François Legault, and David Eby warn of job losses and economic fallout.
- Canada Prepares Countermeasures: Leaders propose targeted tariffs on U.S. steel, aluminum, Tesla vehicles, and liquor.
- Trade War Looms: With billions at stake, Canada faces one of the biggest trade conflicts in recent history.
Deep Look
Trump Imposes Heavy Tariffs on Canadian Goods
In a move that has shocked and outraged Canadian leaders, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Saturday evening, imposing 25% tariffs on nearly all Canadian imports and 10% tariffs on Canadian energy products. The tariffs are set to take effect Tuesday, February 4, sparking fears of a trade war and prompting calls for retaliation and unity from officials across Canada.
Trudeau and Federal Leaders Vow Retaliation
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed the tariffs in a post on X, stating that he had met with provincial premiers and Cabinet officials and was set to speak with Mexican President Sheinbaum about the developing situation.
“We did not want this, but Canada is prepared,” Trudeau wrote, vowing to address Canadians in a national speech.
Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre slammed Trump’s “massive, unjust, and unjustified tariffs,” calling for Parliament to be recalled immediately to pass emergency legislation in response.
Poilievre’s plan, outlined in a social media post, includes:
- Dollar-for-dollar tariffs targeting American steel and aluminum
- Compensation for affected workers and businesses
- Massive emergency tax cuts to stimulate the economy
- Fast-tracking approvals for pipelines, LNG plants, mines, and ports
New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh warned that the tariffs would raise prices and threaten Canadian jobs. He called for strong retaliatory tariffs and expanded government support for workers.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland proposed a 100% tariff on all Tesla vehicles and U.S. alcoholic beverages in response.
“We must hit back—dollar for dollar,” Freeland wrote on X.
Liberal leadership candidate Mark Carney called the tariffs a “clear violation” of trade agreements and demanded the strongest economic response in Canadian history.
Premiers React: Economic War With the U.S.?
Premiers across Canada reacted with outrage, warning of severe economic consequences for their provinces.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Trump’s move “walks away from a decades-long trading relationship” and estimated the tariffs could jeopardize nearly 500,000 Ontario jobs.
“This is going to hurt Americans and Canadians,” Ford told CNN, adding that Ontario may impose tariffs on U.S. electricity, oil, and auto imports.
Ontario Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie accused Ford of not doing enough, calling Trump’s tariffs a “devastating attack on Canadian workers.”
Quebec Premier François Legault condemned the tariffs as “unjust” and pledged to protect Quebec’s steel and aluminum industries.
British Columbia Premier David Eby announced an immediate boycott of U.S. liquor from “red states” and directed government agencies to “buy Canadian first.”
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called Trump’s reduced energy tariff a small victory, crediting her government’s diplomatic efforts.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew compared Trump’s tariff wall to his Mexico border wall, calling it an attack on Canada.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe linked the tariffs to border security, urging Ottawa to appoint a Border Czar and increase defense spending to meet NATO’s 2% funding commitment.
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt called for a united national response, vowing to use every tool available to fight the tariffs.
Canada Faces Trade War With Its Largest Partner
Canada and the U.S. share the world’s largest bilateral trading relationship, with $1.3 trillion in trade annually. Canada is the biggest supplier of oil, aluminum, and steel to the U.S., making these tariffs a direct economic attack.
The last major U.S.-Canada trade war occurred in 2018, when Trump imposed steel and aluminum tariffs, prompting Canada to respond with billions in retaliatory tariffs before a resolution was reached.
With Canada’s economy at risk, leaders are scrambling to mitigate damage and prepare countermeasures.
“Trump has underestimated Canadians,” warned Unifor National president Lana Payne, calling the tariffs “an act of hostility against Canadian workers.”
What’s Next for Canada?
As Canada braces for impact, key questions remain:
- Will Trudeau announce retaliatory tariffs?
- Will Canada seek a diplomatic resolution or take the U.S. to court?
- How will Trump’s actions impact the broader North American economy?
With jobs, industries, and entire sectors at stake, Canada is at a critical crossroads in its relationship with its most powerful trading partner.
One thing is certain: Trump’s tariffs have ignited a firestorm, and Canada is preparing to fight back.
Canada Responds
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