Ottawa, provinces prepared to hit U.S. 'where it hurts' over tariffs, Holt says
N.B. premier optimistic Trump's promised 25% tariffs on goods from Canada can be avoided
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt says she is optimistic the federal government will be able to avoid tariffs of 25 per cent that U.S. president-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose on goods from Canada, after the premiers met Wednesday with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
But if the tariffs go through, Holt says the federal and provincial governments are ready to hit the U.S. "where it hurts, as needed."
"Everything's on the table," including retaliatory tariffs, she said in an interview Wednesday on CBC's Power & Politics.
"We're looking at different ways that we can demonstrate how critically integrated our economies are.
"We're looking at where the influencers are, where those unique points of export are that you could see specific states, specific businesses, economies, jobs and people that might find themselves at risk if their government goes ahead with their tariffs."
Trump has said that when he becomes president on Jan. 20, he will impose tariffs of 25 per cent "on all products" entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico, unless both countries stop what he called an "invasion" of drugs, "in particular fentanyl, and all Illegal aliens" into the U.S.
Trudeau met with the premiers Wednesday to discuss Ottawa's plan to address Trump's concerns about the Canada-U.S. border.
'Comprehensive' border security plan
According to Holt, Trudeau, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc presented a "pretty comprehensive plan" about how they're going to invest $1 billion in border security — and demonstrate that investment to the U.S.
While Holt acknowledged some proposed initiatives, such as training more RCMP and Canada Border Services Agency officers to monitor the border, will take time, she said when governments "want to move fast, we can."
She pointed to the federal government's quick action during the COVID-19 pandemic "when they needed to," and to the affordability measures her own government has taken for New Brunswickers since she was elected 39 days ago.
"Thankfully, I've got neighbours like [Premier] Dennis King in P.E.I., who has an Atlantic Police Academy that's ready to turn things around and produce more people, as needed," she said.
Saint John also has a rapidly growing port that is ready to take on more CBSA staff, "as the containers just keep coming," often into the U.S., she said.
"So I think where there's a will, and where I think there's a unified set of premiers and a federal government that's demonstrated they're going to put a billion dollars of effort into this, we will be able to move some things quite quickly."
Possible N.B. strategies
The assembled federal and provincial politicians also talked about how the tariffs would not only be "devastating" to the Canadian economy, but would also hurt the American economy, Holt said. "And so we're going to continue to make that case" to governors and senators and others.
New Brunswick, for example, exports hundreds of thousands of barrels of refined fuel products to New England every day, Holt said, "and that's critical for their energy security."
There's also a "significant reliance" on New Brunswick forestry products because the U.S. is trying to build homes for Americans, she said. "They need our two-by-fours to do so. And it would have a significant impact to them if those weren't available or were more expensive. "
More than 92 per cent of New Brunswick exports went to the U.S. in 2023, according to the provincial government.
While Ontario Premier Doug Ford, chair of the Council of the Federation, has suggested Trump's tariffs are "100 per cent" coming, Holt said she "would love to have [his] crystal ball," but remains an optimist.
She believes there's still an opportunity to demonstrate to the Trump administration that Canada has a "strong and secure border and that we're a great ally, and U.S. and Canada trade relations should continue."
With files from Power & Politics
"According to Holt, Trudeau, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc presented a "pretty comprehensive plan" about how they're going to invest $1 billion in border security — and demonstrate that investment to the U.S.
While Holt acknowledged some proposed initiatives, such as training more RCMP and Canada Border Services Agency officers to monitor the border, will take time, she said when governments "want to move fast, we can."
Yea Right
David Amos
Reply to David Amos
Been there.
Reply to David Amos
He wouldn't be wrong. .
Reply to David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
William Murdoch
Reply to Don Corey
Wait, I have to check to see what The Mother Corp Headline claimed
David Webb
Is not Canada responsable to control who/what enters Canada? I don't understand the logic that Canada is supposedly responsible for who/what exits Canada. When I travel to the USA I don't report to Canadian Customs and when coming back I don't report to US Customs.
That is not to say that our borders are secure and that sufficient screening is being done on foreign nationals wishing to enter the country.
In both the US and CAN I think the issue is that people that are not entitled to be in the country are likely working somewhere. How is that possible when in Canada you require a SIN# or in the US a green card or SNN # to work.
Those employing people without proper documentation are the problem. Time to crack down on this condoned slavery.
BD Morgan
Reply to David Webb
The whole porous border thing from Trump is a myth. Twenty pounds of a total of 27,000 pounds of all fentanyl seized in the US originated in Canada and illegal northern border entries are 0.5% of the total entries.
David Amos
Reply to David Webb
The Yankees for over 20 years have been stopping people within a 100 miles of their borders
David Webb
Reply to BD Morgan
Some Canadians understand/know this, however DT is just playing on the American public who for the most part can not name the country to their North. We are dependant on the US however for our trade and GDP, so if the trumpster wants to play the game without considering facts Canada needs to hit where it hurts but QC and AB have said no to cutting off energy. I also don't think that Irving Oil will play ball, without seeking replacement of lost revenue from taxpayers, so the largest hammer we have so far is left in the tool belt. Ford in ON has it right to hit hard. Canadians need to prepare for the war.
Michael Samson
"the American public who for the most part can not name the country to their North. " not true.
The 'trumpster' is using signals and leverage , which is what some Canadians don't understand
BD Morgan
Reply to Michael Samson
So far it is the PM and most premiers versus Trump, the leader of the opposition and Premier Smith. But still well within Canada's ability to negotiate another good agreement.
Michael Samson
Reply to BD Morgan
"So far it is the PM and most premiers versus Trump, the leader of the opposition and Premier Smith. " No it's not.
Well if we can negotiate a good agreement why all the worry?
BD Morgan
Reply to Michael Samson
Correct.
Michael Samson
Reply to BD Morgan
What's correct
BD Morgan
Reply to Michael Samson
Not to worry.
The rest has already been documented in the media. The two were siding with Trump over the state or our border.
Reply to BD Morgan
It's hard to negotiate with.a bully without descending to their level.
Allan Marven
Reply to David Webb
The americsn public LOLOL? I'd say our Gov'ts( if you can call them that), both provivncial and federal
William Murdoch
The PM's recent attempt at tariff measures regarding steel exports from China to Canada effectively put even more Canadians out of work. Manufacturers here relying on imported steel from China saw their cost of manufacturing go up. Up so much, that then the finished Chinese steel products to here out-competed cost wise Canadian products manufactured from imported from China steel before Trudeau's Tariff's mistakes began.
Is it any wonder that The Trump Team scoffs at our Dear Leader?
William Murdoch
The Mother Corp has blown this "no-as-in-nothing" news story way out of proportion
BD Morgan
Reply to William Murdoch
And here you are.
William Murdoch
Reply to BD Morgan
Of course I am here. I have been here since commenting was in a small box where "going back" was impossible. The dawn of commenting online. I was in The UK - The Guardian. I was in Australia. There they were ahead of The UK and here.
Matt Steele
Susan Holt's inexperience is really starting to show , and she needs to keep up with what other provinces are saying . Some of the Premier's are already saying via other media outlets that they are not willing to go the tariff route as it will hurt everyone . As far as the Atlantic Police Academy in PEI , maybe someone should inform Ms. Holt that the NBCC campus in Miramichi has had a Correctional / Law Enforcement program in place since the mid 1980s , so why is she relying on PEI for Law Enforcement personnel . I suspect that the Irvings , and their many employees are getting very nervous with Ms. Holts lack of experience and knowledge at this very crucial time .
William Murdoch
Reply to Matt Steele
Unbelievable at times why some vote out one for another one less experienced.
Andrew Clarkson
I heard that Doug Ford has gifted Trump a brand new Canadian made wire brush!
William Murdoch
Reply to Andrew Clarkson
Excuse me. Where oh where would such a brush find a use?
Gerry Ford
Reply to William Murdoch
I think Felton Brushes are the only ones left that are made in Canada now, though they only use wire that's made in the USA in them.
David Amos
Reply to Gerry Ford
Ain't that special?
Gerry Ford
Reply to David Amos
Ironic
It seems perhaps that Trump is just a bully, he's also now the most powerful man in the world, and.....he well knows that as well. With that, it only feeds his ego more and therefore brings out those tendencies even more so. Both Canada and the Provinces need to understand this and come up with a calming strategy to address the issues he is demanding. Allow him to feel on top, go along with ideas, suggest ideas but make him think he thought up the solutions. But, and by all means, don't invite him into the ring.
David Amos
Reply to Gerry Ford
Well put
MR Cain
Reply to Gerry Ford
Yeah, I watched Power and Politics too.
Gerry Ford
Reply to MR Cain
Not me, perhaps you can fill us in on what you learnt from that.......
MR Cain
Reply to Gerry Ford
You got it right almost verbatim
Sam Smithmoose
Reply to Gerry Ford
Good idea. Let’s not flame the fire and he gets a temper tantrum.
Jack Bell
Reply to MR Cain
"Yeah, I watched Power and Politics too."
A lot of vibrant colors and shapes to keep your attention?
I stress that the HEADLINE as written
perhaps is inflammatory more so than accurate
Don Corey
Reply to William Murdoch
I'd call it exaggerated.
William Murdoch
Reply to Don Corey
And then some.
Samual Johnston
So it takes this to finally get some changes in immigration, border protection and military funding. That is Canada’s silver lining of Trump
William Murdoch
Reply to Samual Johnston
Why would you think that this is an example where immigration is what ?
Samual Johnston
Reply to William Murdoch
JT is changing immigration policies because of Trump. Improving border security looking at deporting illegals and so on
William Murdoch
Reply to Samual Johnston
You think so?
Samual Johnston
Reply to William Murdoch
And add increasing defence spending to that as well.
David Amos
Reply to Samual Johnston
I concur
Samual Johnston
JT went down to kiss the ring which was the right move. Took the jokes but then he gets home and now he and others poke the bear again and again. Live or hate him Trump is going to be in power. No need to be taking public shots at him. That is what gets him going.
William Murdoch
Reply to Samual Johnston
Apparently some do not comprehend how Marxism prevails. You just wait and see - Trudeau's ideology will will in the end.
Samual Johnston
Reply to William Murdoch
JT is only there because Singh does not want an election. Maybe due to pension maybe not. JT has failed us.
Don Corey
Reply to William Murdoch
Trudeau's "ideology" has set our economy back 10 years and counting. Canadians have had enough of him.
William Murdoch
Reply to Don Corey
Interesting how you can speak for "Canadians".
David Amos
Reply to Don Corey
Yup
Don Corey
Reply to William Murdoch
I'm not William, but the polls most certainly are.
Ted DiBlase
Reply to Don Corey
Done like dinner.
BD Morgan
Reply to Samual Johnston
If you want a PM subservient to Trump it won't happen before the next election.
Dave Sellers
Reply to William Murdoch
Where does he say he does?
Dave Sellers
Reply to BD Morgan
If you want a PM who cracks jokes behind Trumps back..you got him.
Samual Johnston
Reply to BD Morgan
Are you not witnessing JT jump through the hoops now?
Robert Brannen
Reply to Don Corey
If you are saying that he counteracted all the damage that Harper heaped on Canada during his nine years as prime minister, that is a good thing.
Don Corey
Reply to Robert Brannen
You must be kidding.
Excellent representation according me: "Why would the premier here and the premier there (Ontario) not know enough to not engage a Bully".
Look federally youse two.
PO is all the rage.
So Sad.
Sam Brown
Hello New Brunswick
..."invasion" of drugs, "in particular fentanyl, and all Illegal aliens" into the U.S."....
The problem of drug invasion and illegal aliens is caused by the Americans themselves.
If they would stop buying drugs, and stop giving illegal aliens jobs the problems would go away....
But NO !...They demand the drugs and cheap labor...So someone supplies them.
I blame the U.S. drug users NOT the drug sellers..
I blame the U.S. business owners who give the illegal aliens the jobs NOT the aliens.
Good Day
William Murdoch
Reply to Sam Brown
"they" have what problem?
Samual Johnston
Reply to Sam Brown
Yes I blame people the have things for all the robberies and muggings. If they did not have things these ‘criminals’ wanted there would be no crime.
David Amos
Reply to Samual Johnston
Is that supposed to be funny?
valmond landry
time for CANADA to take their sling shot out and their tub before trump decide to make CANADA another state whow!
William Murdoch
Reply to valmond landry
Monarchy.
David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
Do you mean our de facto Head of State?
Gerry Ford
Pipelines aren't going to get shut off to the US, sure they could "tariff" the product but they can't shut the valve off.
Treaty - E101884
David Amos
Reply to Gerry Ford
Bingo
William Conway
Reply to Gerry Ford
Treaties never get unilaterally cancelled?
Denis van humbeck
Reply to William Conway
They can be with tough leaders.
leaders.
Gerry Ford
Reply to William Conway
You should give it a read
Don't fence me in. Fences make good neighbours. But more dogs, sherriffs, and drones?! Let's have more hands across the undefended border, we all enjoyed for 100+ years. Catch the gun and dope runners!
David Amos
Reply to Robert Holmes
Yea Right
Dan Lee
only a f.o.o.l would bow down to D.T..........
valmond landry
Reply to Dan Lee
we have a few of them in OTTAWA.
Shelton Scheerr
Reply to Dan Lee
tthe opposition and D.. S..
Don Corey
Reply to valmond landry
Yeah, the governor and entire cabinet.
David Amos
Reply to Don Corey (I intended to repy to Dan Lee)
Imagine you and I agreeing on something?
Mike Sampson
The heckling of the far left's PM is well deserved.
William Murdoch
Reply to Mike Sampson
How so?
Don Corey
Reply to William Murdoch
Because it's time he grew up.
David Amos
Reply to Don Corey
Yup
valmond landry
who's fault is it that the bully came out with this ?trudeau invited everybody to come to CANADA without making sure that we had enough infrastructure to handle all those migrant ,very little control at the borders , now he goes back and fourth to WASHINGTON crying hard time . it's a shame !
David Amos
Reply to valmond landry
Yup
Mike Sampson
Canada has opened its borders to people who hate the west.
William Murdoch
Reply to Mike Sampson
Really. How so?
David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
Notice any protests lately?
Mike Sampson
President Trump and most of the United States holds our dear leader in complete contempt.
Don Corey
Reply to Mike Sampson
As the saying goes, "you reap what you sow".
David Amos
Reply to Mike Sampson
He earned it
Don Corey
There is obviously no "Team Canada" approach here. There's whatever the governor wants, and then (thankfully) we have the individual provinces involved.
Why is there no NB plan to do our part in assisting in the tightening up of border security here, as we seeing in Alberta and other western provinces as well as Ontario?
Allan Marven
Reply to Don Corey
Wait until the tax holiday fiasco starts saturday, and see how that goes. Another plan by the man, that others are responsible to make work. We go from there lol.
Shelton Scheerr
Reply to Don Corey
two different approaches here:
'We can't just roll over': D. F. doubles down to shut down energy exports to the U.S.
"Just watch how quick I can roll over": D. S.
Allan Marven
Reply to Shelton Scheerr
3 , Alberta going to make border patrol a provincial matter. Maybe she'll be governor.
Don Corey
Reply to Allan Marven
Yeah, just another knee jerk action when desperation sets in. Unfortunately there'll still be more to come before the day of reckoning sometime next year.
William Murdoch
Reply to Don Corey
I suspect your opinion here and moving forward, with that said
David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
What is there to suspect about a publicly stated opinion?
Rosco holt
Canada shouldn't let a bully, bullying us around. Our politicians need to put partisanship aside even if Pierre doesn't seem to know what it means.
Don Corey
Reply to Rosco holt
The governor is not a team player unfortunately; never has been. As to partisanship, he wins the gold medal.
William Murdoch
Reply to Rosco holt
Who is your "us"?
David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
A different team than yours
William Murdoch
Reply to David Amos
I have no team.
Don Corey
Reply to William Murdoch
Your comments would suggest otherwise.
William Murdoch
Reply to Don Corey
How so? What team?
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