Canada's warning to Trump: Will retaliate If US implements 25% tariffs
PTC Web Desk: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has vowed a swift and decisive response if former US President Donald Trump moves ahead with his proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. With the implementation deadline set for Saturday, Ottawa is ramping up diplomatic efforts to avert the tariffs while preparing for potential countermeasures.
"We’re working hard to prevent these tariffs, but if the United States moves ahead, Canada’s ready with a forceful and immediate response," Trudeau stated in a post on X.
Donald Trump reiterated his tariff stance on Friday, reinforcing his commitment to imposing the levies as earlier announced. In a bid to de-escalate tensions, Canada has deployed three senior ministers to Washington—Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, Public Safety Minister David McGuinty, and Immigration Minister Marc Miller—to engage with US officials.
Canada highlights border security efforts
Ottawa has underscored its increased vigilance on the US-Canada border to address concerns raised by Washington regarding illegal immigration and the trafficking of fentanyl. Measures include the deployment of drones, canine units, and a surge in enforcement actions.
A recent case in Saskatchewan highlighted Canada’s crackdown on fentanyl smuggling. Authorities in the Swift Current region arrested two Indo-Canadians—26-year-old Swati Narula and 28-year-old Kunwardeep Singh from Calgary—after discovering eight km of fentanyl hidden beneath the spare tire of their vehicle.
Justin Trudeau emphasised that Canada remains a strong ally to the US on border security. “Right now, we’re showing the new American administration that they have a reliable partner in Canada when it comes to upholding border security. At the same time, we’re making it clear that we won’t back down. If tariffs are imposed on Canada, we will respond,” he said before attending a Canada-US Council meeting in Toronto.
Trump unmoved by Canada’s stance
Despite Canada’s reassurances, Trump has maintained his firm stance on border security and trade policies. He has repeatedly linked Canada to the US fentanyl crisis, claiming that large amounts of the synthetic opioid enter the US through Canada after being manufactured in China.
“A lot of fentanyl comes through Canada, and criminals are using the same routes,” Trump said. He has not spoken directly with Trudeau on the matter, suggesting strained communication between the two leaders.
In response to Trudeau’s warnings, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticised the Canadian Prime Minister’s approach, stating, “I think Justin Trudeau would be wise to talk to President Trump directly before pushing outlandish comments like that to the media.”
Escalating trade tensions
As the tariff deadline approaches, Canada is bracing for a potential economic clash with its largest trading partner. Trudeau has reiterated that while Canada prefers dialogue over confrontation, it will not hesitate to retaliate if punitive tariffs are imposed. The next few days will be crucial in determining the direction of US-Canada trade relations as diplomatic negotiations continue in Washington.
- With inputs from agencies
