The prime minister spoke to Canadians on Saturday night in response to President Donald Trump’s 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods and 10 per cent tariff on energy.
Trump officially imposed the tariffs on Saturday afternoon, to take effect on Tuesday.
Sources said the tariffs would continue until Trump is satisfied Canada has done enough to stop the flow of fentanyl into the U.S.
Speaking from Parliament Hill, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada will retaliate by placing 25 per cent tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods.
“This will include immediate tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods as of Tuesday, followed by further tariffs on $125 billion worth of American products in 21 days to allow Canadian companies and supply chains time to seek to find alternatives,” Trudeau stated.
Those tariffs will be on items including American beer, wine and bourbon, fruits and fruit juices, vegetables, perfume, clothing, shoes, household appliances, furniture, sports equipment, lumber and plastics.
“I won’t sugarcoat it — our nation could be facing difficult times in the coming days and weeks. I know Canadians might be anxious and worried, but I want them to know the federal government, and indeed all orders of government, have their backs.”
Trudeau adds as a part of Canada’s response, they are considering several non-tariff measures with the provinces and territories, including some relating to critical minerals, energy, procurement and other partnerships.
He says the coming weeks will be difficult for Canadians and Americans as well.
“The levels of cooperation, the levels of effective partnerships between our two countries that have been established over decades and generations means that this trade action by the American and our response is going to have real consequences for people, for workers on both sides of the border,” Trudeau said.
“We will not back down in standing up for Canadians and for the incredible successful relationship and partnership between Canada and the United States.”
Prime minister says there are ways Canadians can do their part
Trudeau recommended Canadians consider checking the labels at the supermarket and picking Canadian-made products.
“It might mean opting for Canadian rye over Kentucky Bourbon, or foregoing Florida orange juice altogether. It might mean changing your summer vacation plans and staying here in Canada and exploring the many national and provincial parks, historical sites and tourist destinations our great country has to offer.”
We must put Canada first: Conservative leader
In a statement, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre said his party condemns Trump’s unjustified tariffs on Canada’s already weak economy.
“Canada is the United States’ closest neighbour, greatest ally and best friend. We share the longest undefended border and fought alongside Americans in two world wars, Korea and Afghanistan, where 158 of our brave men and women died helping the U.S. avenge the 9/11 attacks. There is no justification whatsoever for this treatment.”
He called on the Liberals to recall Parliament now and pass a Canada-first plan that would retaliate with dollar-for-dollar tariffs, with all of the tariff money going back to workers and businesses that are affected — most in the form of a massive tax cut.
Poilievre said Canada also needs to “knock down interprovincial trade barriers to have truly free trade across our country.”
In addition, the Conservative leader said we need to “take back control” of the border, rebuild the military and “pressure the [U.S.] administration to back down” from its tariffs.
“We must lock arms with all of those economic interests in the United States to build an American coalition against the tariffs and in favor of free trade between our two great countries,” said Poilievre.
NDP leader agrees Parliament should be recalled
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh said he also feels that retaliatory tariffs should be implemented urgently and that the supply of critical minerals to the United States should be cut off immediately.
“Today, Donald Trump has unleashed an unprecedented trade war on our country. We can’t let working Canadians pay the price. We will not let Donald Trump – or anyone – threaten our values and our sovereignty,” Singh stressed.
There was no mention of recalling Parliament from the prime minister during his speech to Canadians on Saturday night.
“This is a moment for Canadians to pull together including Canadians of all different political parties,” Trudeau stated.
“This is something that matters. We have solved big issues before and we will solve them again.”
Trudeau added that he looks forward to speaking with Trump in the coming days and weeks.
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