WATCH: ‘BEST FRIENDS’ — Trudeau addresses Canada-US committee ahead of 25% tariffs

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Friday morning addressed the Canada-US Relations committee regarding the 25% tariffs anticipated to go into effect on Monday, President-elect Donald Trump’s first day in office.

The committee meeting follows a First Ministers’ meeting held by Trudeau this week to strategize how Canada would “fight back” against Trump’s tariff threat, which the incoming president said was a result of Canada’s weak borders.

The premiers’ meeting on Wednesday ended in a joint communique — signed by all the premiers save for Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who said she refuses to use Alberta oil as a bargaining chip against the US.

Trudeau at the Friday morning committee meeting emphasized the “Canada First” approach established this week.

“We have our work cut out for us,” said Trudeau.

“As we saw on Wednesday however, people are coming together in a Team Canada way that is really impressive.

“All the premiers are totally united in knowing this is a moment to stand up for Canada, stand up for our sovereignty, and be there to protect not just Canadians, but to protect the most successful economic trading relationship in the world in history, between Canada and the United States.”

The prime minister said not just Canadians will be at risk over the tariffs, but Americans too.

“We want to reinforce the relationship between Canada and the United States,” he said.

“We want to work as partners, we want to make sure North America is ready to take on the trading and security challenges of the world by working together,

“It is an uncertain time around the world, and best friends working together to compete and succeed in a complex world, just makes sense.”

“At the same time, if the incoming American administration moves forward with tariffs, we will not hesitate to act. We will respond, and everything is on the table.”

“If the worst case scenario comes to pass, we will need all your knowledge, insights, expertise and connections with American business leaders and political leaders to make sure they know the decision to impose tariffs on Canada will hurt Americans first and foremost.”

“There are no winners in a trade fight.”

Trump for weeks now has said he will make an executive order his first day in office, January 20, to impose 25% tariffs on America’s northern and southern neighbours.

The Liberals, after some time and money spent securing the Canada-US border, have insisted they are working on a “retaliatory plan” to hit back at the US with tariffs of their own.

These counter-tariffs would be worth approximately $37 billion in American goods, reported the CBC.

A list of the counter-tariffs will be released Monday morning as Trump is being sworn in. The Trudeau Liberals then plan to wait to see how Trump reacts — meanwhile allegedly holding a $110 billion card in their pocket, depending on Trump’s next move.

The second round of potential retaliatory threats however, could hurt the Canadian economy, reported the state broadcaster.

Canada’s tariffs would go into effect 15 to 30 days after the fact, to leave room for “consultation.”

Trump’s tariffs, meanwhile, will go into effect immediately.