Canada needs to send a “message” to President-elect Trump about tariffs, one provincial leader said Wednesday, along with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who said the threatened tariffs were unnecessary.
The outgoing leader said Canada will respond “with purpose, forcefully and decisively” if the Trump administration imposes tariffs.
Prime Minister Trudeau: 'We won't sugar coat it'said alongsidePrime Ministers of several states. “The incoming administration's proposed tariffs on Canada will harm Americans. It will jeopardize American jobs. It will jeopardize our collective security. .
“It's going to drive up costs at a time when people just need and deserve a break,” he added. “And perhaps most importantly, they are not necessary. Our trading relationship is the envy of the world, and the better path forward is to strengthen it.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford called for harsh retaliation.
“There's never been a more important time for Canadians to come together, stand up and make sure our voices are heard,” he said.
“We have to send a message: If someone comes along and tries to destroy our economy, it will be devastating for Canadians,” he added.
The president-elect said he would impose a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican products, while imposing an additional 10% tariff on Chinese products.
Trump said the tariffs are aimed at putting pressure on countries to step up efforts to secure their borders and combat fentanyl exports to the United States.
“Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to simply resolve this long-smoldering issue. We hereby demand that they use this power, and that they Until they do, it's time for them to pay a very high price!'' President Trump said on Truth Social in November.
Earlier this month, the president-elect suggested: Canada will merge with the United States, and he said on Truth Social that if the two countries merged, “there would be no tariffs, significantly lower taxes, and we would be completely safe from the constant threat of Russian and Chinese shipping all around us.” . they. “
Hill reached out to Prime Minister Trudeau, Premier Ford, Quebec Premier, Alberta Premier, and British Columbia Premier.
“President Trump has promised tariff policies that will protect American manufacturers and working men and women from the unfair practices of foreign companies and foreign markets. As in his first term, the President has promised to make life more affordable and more enriching for our nation. “We will implement economic and trade policies to improve our economy,” Brian Hughes, Trump's transition press secretary, said in an emailed statement to The Hill.
when asked for commentWednesday's statements from Prime Minister Trudeau and Canadian provincial leaders were noted by Global Affairs Canada. In a statement, the two leaders said they “agreed that Canada is a proud and sovereign nation and is committed to upholding its values and responsibilities on the world stage.”
“As a strong, independent nation, we will make decisions that reflect the best interests of our people, while actively contributing to world peace and stability,” he added.
