The U.S. president says there is “nothing” Canada can do to delay tariffs that are expected to begin on Saturday.
“No, nothing. Not right now, no,” Donald Trump said in response to a question during a news conference on Friday afternoon.
His comments came just hours after the White House press secretary confirmed that 25 per cent tariffs would be implemented on Saturday.
Trump said the tariffs would include oil, gas, steel, aluminum, copper and microchips — though it is unclear if they would all take effect at the same time.
“We’re going to put tariffs on oil and gas. That’ll happen fairly soon. I think around the 18th of February,” he said.
Trump also said he is “probably going to reduce the tariff a little bit” on oil to 10 per cent.
Tariffs for steel and aluminum would take effect “sometime next month” and would “ultimately” include copper, but the president said that “will take a bit longer.”
The tariffs come despite Canada’s efforts to crack down on illegal drugs and migrants crossing the border — one of the issues that led Trump to threaten tariffs in the first place.
The president also continues to cite the longstanding trade deficit the U.S. has with Canada.
Trudeau promises ‘forceful’ response to U.S. tariffs
Speaking earlier in the day on Thursday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said they are ready to respond no matter what Trump decides to do.
Trudeau promised a “purposeful, forceful but reasonable immediate response” to any tariffs.
“It’s not what we want, but if he moves forward, we will also act,” he told reporters on Friday morning.
“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.”
During a virtual meeting on Wednesday, federal officials presented premiers with an overview of some of the support options they are considering for businesses and workers.
That includes potentially removing the employment insurance waiting period so laid-off workers can get money more quickly.
The federal government is also looking at offering easier access to credit and liquidity, similar to what they did during the pandemic.
They also discussed how labour market development agreements between the federal government and the provinces could be modified.
It is estimated the proposed tariffs could cost tens of thousands of jobs nationwide.
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