Canada and ministers respond to Trump tariff threat

The Canadian government, along with several provincial premiers, says it is working on ways to protect Canadians from proposed U.S. tariffs, following a Jan. 15 First Ministers’ meeting.

“First Ministers discussed ways to protect Canadian families, workers and employers from the consequences of possible U.S. tariffs, which would cause economic harm to Canadians and Americans alike. Trade and investment between Canada and the U.S. supports millions of jobs on both sides of the border and helps ensure the secure flow of goods and people between countries. They will continue to work together, standing up for Canadians in the face of unjustified and unreasonable U.S. tariffs,” First Ministers said in a statement.

“Collaborative efforts will continue to try to prevent U.S. tariffs, including actions taken by the federal government to strengthen border security and curb the flow of illicit drugs, such as fentanyl, into Canadian and American communities.”

Though U.S. President Donald Trump delayed imposing increased tariffs on Canada following his Jan. 20 inauguration, he said he would consider 25 per cent tariffs on both Canada and Mexico. He also signed an executive order directing his administration to study alleged unfair trade practices by both countries and file a report by April 1.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who did not approve of the joint First Ministers statement, said her province was pleased Trump decided not to impose increased tariffs until the matter could be reviewed further.

“We appreciate the implicit recognition that this is a complex and sensitive issue with serious implications for American and Canadian workers, businesses and consumers, given the integration of our markets, as well as our essential energy and security partnership,” Smith said in a statement. “Avoiding tariffs will preserve hundreds of thousands of jobs in every sector in Canada and the United States. For example, refusing to impose tariffs on Canadian energy preserves the viability of dozens of American refineries and facilities that value Alberta crude, as well as the jobs of tens of thousands of Americans they employ.”

Smith acknowledged that the threat of U.S. tariffs remains and said Canada must take action to protect and strengthen its economy and partnership with the U.S.

Unifor also issued a warning for Canada to protect workers and jobs amid the potential U.S. tariffs.

“The reality is that Trump could impose punishing tariffs at any time while continuing to make demands for concessions from Canada,” said Unifor national president Lana Payne. “This intentional strategy of constant chaos and the mere threat of tariffs is damaging to jobs, investment and our economy. Canada has to do a number of things to make sure that it’s prepared to respond to that threat on Feb. 1 or at any time during Trump’s presidency. We must initiate policies to shore up worker protections and industries.”

In response to Trump’s request for Canada to increase border security and address the flow of fentanyl into the U.S., First Ministers said:

“Collaborative efforts will continue to try to prevent U.S. tariffs, including actions taken by the federal government to strengthen border security and curb the flow of illicit drugs, such as fentanyl, into Canadian and American communities.

“The federal plan announced in December invests in cutting-edge technology, empowering law enforcement and ensuring that only those eligible to remain in Canada do so. First Ministers agreed that the federal government, in collaboration with all orders of government, local police and authorities, will continue to bolster security at the border and strengthen the immigration system. The plan must also include measures to tighten the visa issuance policy to prevent arrivals to Canada under false pretences. Law enforcement across the country will work together to further build trust and confidence among U.S. decision-makers that Canada takes its border responsibilities seriously and is taking action.”