President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apparently had a positive call this afternoon — which culminated in a one-month delay on Trump’s tariff threat.
Trump has vowed to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods due to weak border security. The president has accused America’s neighbours of “porous” borders that allow for an uncontainable influx of illegal aliens and drug trafficking — namely fentanyl.
Trump this morning announced a 30-day reprieve for Mexican tariffs, but there was no peep about his intentions for Canada. The two leaders had their first call early Monday morning, and a second in the afternoon.
After the afternoon call, when asked if the tariffs will still go into effect Monday night, Trump replied: “Watch,” according to CNN Chief White House Correspondent Kaitlan Collins.
Trudeau minutes later posted an announcement to social media outlining Canada’s $1.3 billion border plan — and his intention to act on a suggestion made by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to institute a Canadian "border czar" comparable to America's Tom Homan.
"I just had a good call with President Trump," wrote Trudeau.
"Canada is implementing our $1.3 billion border plan — reinforcing the border with new choppers, technology and personnel, enhanced coordination with our American partners, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl."
"Nearly 10,000 frontline personnel are and will be working on protecting the border."
"In addition, Canada is making new commitments to appoint a Fentanyl Czar, we will list cartels as terrorists, ensure 24/7 eyes on the border, launch a Canada-US Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime, fentanyl and money laundering. I have also signed a new intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl and we will be backing it with $200 million."
“Proposed tariffs will be paused for at least 30 days while we work together,” wrote Trudeau.