New tariffs against goods from the United States are being applied by Canada.
It is a retaliatory move imposed by the Trump administration.
Beginning immediately, a 25% tariff is being applied to $30 billion worth of goods with the same tariff added to another $125 billion in 21 days.
Prime Minister Trudeau says the tariffs will remain in place until the American tariffs are lifted.
“And should these tariffs not cease, we are in active and ongoing discussions with provinces and territories to pursue several non-tariff measures, measures which will demonstrate that there are no winners in a trade war,” says Trudeau.
During his media conference, Trudeau addressed Americans, blaming the trade war on the U.S. government.
“We don’t want this. We want to work with you as a friend and ally, and we don’t want to see you hurt either,” says Trudeau.
“Your government has chosen to put American jobs at risk at the thousands of workplaces that succeed because of materials from Canada or because of consumers in Canada or both.”
Trudeau warned of higher costs for goods like groceries and gasoline, in the U.S. and harm to American national security with the tariffs being applied to such things as critical minerals, energy, building materials and fertilizers the U.S. needs.
The Prime Minister also had a message for President Trump.
“It’s not in my habit to agree with the Wall Street Journal, but Donald, they point out that even though you’re a very smart guy, this is a very dumb thing to do.”
Trump has argued Canada’s inability to stem the flow of fentanyl across the border as one of the reasons he has pushed for the U.S. tariffs.
Trudeau says considerable work has been done to improve border security, noting fentanyl seizures have dropped substantially since the measures went in place near the end of last year.
“His goal is to destroy the Canadian economy so that he can try to annex the country. That seems to be what he wants. So, I don’t know what negotiations we might undertake at the moment to convince him that that’s not his goal.”
Trudeau promised support for companies and workers in Canada impacted by the tariffs as they are needed.
It could come in the form of expanded employment insurance benefits or making them more flexible for workers.
“But Canada, make no mistake, no matter how long this lasts, no matter what the cost, the federal government and other orders of government will be there for you.”
