Canada is not backing down from U.S. president Donald Trump.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is holding a cabinet retreat, as Trump floated February 1 as a start date for 25 percent tariffs.
Trudeau calls it an important and challenging moment for Canada.
“I want to be clear, we have Canadians backs. We will protect our national interests, while we protect the most successful economic and security relationship the world has ever seen,” Trudeau told reporters outside the retreat.
When it comes to how Canada responds to tariffs, Trudeau added that ‘everything is on the table.’
He called Trump a ‘skilled negotiator,’ noting the President will do what he can to keep his partners off balance.
Poilievre Calls for parliament to reconvene amid tariff threat
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to recall Parliament immediately, criticizing the government for proroguing at a time when Donald Trump’s proposed 25 percent tariffs could disrupt Canada’s economy.
Poilievre says Canada cannot implement key measures, like enhanced border controls or retaliatory tariffs, without parliamentary approval. He called Trudeau’s extended adjournment of Parliament an example of putting “leadership politics ahead of the country” and claimed the Liberals are unprepared for the economic challenge ahead.
“The Liberal government admits their weak border is a problem, yet they shut down Parliament, preventing urgent action,” Poilievre said in a statement. He added that the country must “open Parliament, take back control, and put Canada first” to address the looming crisis.
Poilievre also criticized Liberal leadership contenders Chrystia Freeland and Mark Carney for focusing on internal power struggles rather than tackling the threat to Canada’s economy. He called for swift action to counter the tariffs and bolster Canada’s border security.
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