Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday morning reiterated Canada will “fight back” against President Donald Trump’s 25% tariff threat, which is now expected to be enforced February 1.
Trump since November has said he plans to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico until America’s neighbouring countries get a grip on out-of-control drug trafficking and illegal immigration.
Trump on Monday, his first day in office, said he would give a brief reprieve from the looking tariff threat, initially expected to be imposed on inauguration day.
Trudeau said he hopes to work with the US, but is willing to put “everything on the table” and use every tool his government has to “fight back” against Trump’s steep tariff — and the prime minister appears to imply Canada will impose tariffs on steel, critical minerals and energy.
“President Trump said he wants to usher in a ‘Golden Age’ for the United States,” said Trudeau at a press conference alongside Foreign Affair Minister Mélanie Joly and Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc.
“That will require more steel and aluminum, more critical minerals, more reliable and affordable energy, more of everything to run the US economy full steam ahead.”
“Canada has all those resources.”
“The alternative for them would be China, Russia, Venezuela.”
Trudeau also addressed Trump’s concerns over Canada’s border security.
“Our government has already acted to address the concerns raised with an over $1 billion comprehensive border plan.,” he said.
“Of course, if the president does choose to proceed with tariffs against Canada, Canada will respond.”
He said he spoke with Ontario Premier Doug Ford Monday night, who reiterated his support for the Trudeau Liberals and the premiers’ agreement from last week that they would “fight” Trump’s tariffs.
The prime minister emphasized the relationship between Canada and the US is historically the best one in the world, and he hopes that can continue.