Canadians are not backing down after President Donald Trump announced his tariffs could come into effect on Feb. 1.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said “everything is on the table” in terms of combatting the incoming 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods, during a news conference in Montebello, Que., alongside his cabinet, on Tuesday.
Trudeau says he’ll be looking into matching Trump’s tariffs “dollar-for-dollar” if the president chooses to move forward with his threats. The prime minister also said they’ll be looking into the possibility of finding replacement products for Canadian consumers on American imports, if Canada chooses to retaliate with tariffs against the U.S.
President Trump: 25% tariffs on each of Canada and Mexico beginning February 1st. pic.twitter.com/ncfBmMI242
— Stephen Taylor (@stephen_taylor) January 21, 2025
“Having Canadian consumers have alternatives to having to spend tariffs on American inputs is part of how we make sure that Canadians don’t bear undue costs around tariffs,” Trudeau said to reporters on Tuesday morning.
The prime minister says that these tariffs will cost Canadians, but ensures that the government will compensate businesses depending on the response.
“We have Canadian’s backs,” he added.
Referring to the trade relationship between both countries, he describes it as “one of the most successful in the world,” with Canada purchasing more goods made by the U.S. than China, Japan and Germany combined. In turn, he says that America is also reliant on Canada for resources like steel, aluminum, critical minerals and energy.
“Canada is a safe, secure, and reliable partner in an uncertain world,” he said.
Prior to his inauguration, Trump threatened to impose tariffs if Canada did not make the effort to secure its border from migrants and illicit drugs flowing into the U.S. Trudeau said the federal government has since put together a $1-billion border plan to address the president’s concerns.
Read More
“While less than one percent of fentanyl and illegal immigrants that enter the United States come from Canada… We’re already working collaboratively to keep our citizens safe on both sides of the border,” the prime minister said.
“We’ve been here before,” Trudeau also said, adding that Trump’s first term of presidency represented moments of uncertainty and threatened instability.
“We will continue to take seriously the proposals put forward by the president and his administration, but we will also continue to remain steady and strong in advocating – not just for Canadian interests – but for this incredibly successful trading relationship that benefits both American workers and Canadian workers.”
Trudeau also said he’s been in contact with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who he says has an unwavering commitment to work together to fight against the imposed levies.
The Ontario premier posted on X Tuesday morning, describing the proposed tariffs as “devastating.”
U.S. tariffs on Canada would be devastating for both of our economies, hurting workers and businesses on both sides of the border.
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) January 21, 2025
President Trump seems intent on starting a trade war that will create the kind of economic uncertainty that only benefits China. There’s a better…
During the U.S. inauguration on Monday, Ford told reporters that he’ll order LCBO to clear U.S. booze from its shelves if Trump imposes the tariffs.
“I’ve sent a direction to the LCBO that if these tariffs come to clear off every bit of U.S. alcohol off the shelves. Let’s start promoting more Ontario-made wines, and the vodkas, the spirits. That’s what we need to do,” he said.
“We are the largest purchaser of alcohol in the entire world. They will feel the pain. I will make sure I communicate this to our other premiers that they should be following suit.”
CANADIANS REACT TO INCOMING TARIFF
Canadians are reacting to Trump’s threats, many concerned about the repercussions that the heightened levies might bring.
“I’m not sure Canadians recognize how vulnerable we are, how carefully we have to behave now. It’s not just the tariffs. Trump is laying out an extreme agenda,” one user on X said.
“Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canada & Mexico are reckless—destabilizing trade, killing jobs, raising costs, and breaking alliances. Trade wars aren’t leadership,” another user said.
Some are encouraging Canada to retaliate with tariffs, while others are choosing to refrain from using U.S.-based products.
“Hit him back – HARD. I’ve had enough of this,” another user wrote on the platform.
“He’s a bully & his base are just plain stupid. Every country around the globe should hit them with tariffs in retaliation. Make them hurt. Yes, we’ll hurt, but he is a narcissist & will stop as soon as people realize he’s an idiot.”
“On Feb 1st I will be cancelling all my US service subscriptions & checking the labels on every product I purchase. #Unfriended,” another X user said.
