Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, now resigned, has flown to Europe at taxpayer expense to participate in an artificial intelligence (AI) conference in Paris — as U.S. President Donald Trump imposes harsh tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum.
Trudeau is at the AI Action Summit, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. The summit is focusing on AI governance, innovation, and ensuring AI serves the public interest without compromising climate change efforts.
"With our G7 partners, we will be working to make sure the innovators have access to clean, reliable energy to power AI without hindering the fight against climate change," said Trudeau, seemingly unaware of a brewing economic crisis back home.
He's also concerned AI will be used for "misinformation" and "disinformation."
In addition to a 25% tariff on Canadian metals, Trump may follow through on a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods once a 30-day grace period expires. Trump is giving Canada time to shore-up border security. Part of the agreement was for Canada to install a fentanyl czar to coordinate a national border security response.
As of Monday morning, no fentanyl czar had been announced as Trump imposed the metals tariff.
Both Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford have called for the so-called czar to be appointed immediately.
Trump's statement about the steel and aluminum tariff was made aboard Air Force One on his way to New Orleans for the Super Bowl on February 9.
