Trump to pause promised tariffs for 30 days after speaking with Trudeau
PM to appoint fentanyl 'czar,' will list Mexican cartels as terrorists
Trump to pause tariffs on Canada for 1 month, Trudeau saysPrime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday U.S. President Donald Trump will hold off on levying tariffs on Canada for at least 30 days after Canada made a series of commitments to improve security along the border.
The country can let out a collective sigh of relief — at least for now.
To get Trump to shelve his punishing tariffs, Trudeau told him Canada is pressing ahead with a $1.3-billion border security plan that includes reinforcing the 49th parallel with new choppers, technology and personnel and stepping up its co-ordination with American officials to crack down on Trump's stated priorities: illegal drugs and migrants.
Trudeau said, all told, there will be 10,000 front-line personnel working along the border as part of a push to make it safer.
The prime minister also made a series of new commitments to Trump, including a promise to appoint a new fentanyl "czar." And he promised to list Mexican cartels, one of the top purveyors of fentanyl and other drugs in Canada and the U.S., as terrorists under Canadian law.
Trudeau said Canada is launching a "Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force," that will be tasked with combating organized crime and money laundering.
"Proposed tariffs will be paused for at least 30 days while we work together," Trudeau said in a social media post after he wrapped up the 45-minute call with Trump.
Trump said in his own social media post that he was "very pleased" Canada has a plan in place to secure the northern border. But Trump called this just an "initial outcome."
"The tariffs announced on Saturday will be paused for a 30-day period to see whether or not a final economic deal with Canada can be structured," he said.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office after the first of two calls with Trudeau on Monday, Trump said Canada is "very tough" and "we're not treated well by Canada and we have to be treated well."
He claimed Canada "doesn't take our agricultural products, for the most part." It's an outlandish statement because the U.S. is Canada's largest agricultural trading partner, according to data from Trump's own government, representing some 57 per cent of Canadian food imports.
The president has said for weeks he would like Canada to join the United States as the 51st state. It's a line he repeated again today, saying he would "love to see" Canada join the union. But he seemed to acknowledge it "would be a long shot," saying some unnamed people "don't have a threshold for pain."
Trump says Canada would become 51st state 'if people wanted to play the game right'Trump also came to a deal with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum earlier Monday to "pause" the tariffs he threatened to impose on that country.
Sheinbaum said in a social media post she had a "good conversation" with the president after she agreed to deploy 10,000 Mexican national guard troops to the U.S. border.
Mexican President Sheinbaum says U.S. tariffs on her country delayed for 1 monthAfter the news of Sheinbaum's deal broke, some Conservative politicians in Canada called for the federal government to deploy the military to the Canada-U.S. border, which was almost entirely demilitarized after the War of 1812 more than 200 years ago.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre asked Trudeau to "send Canadian Forces troops, helicopters and surveillance to the border now" to try and save the Canada-U.S. trade relationship and address Trump's concerns about drugs and migrants.
He also called for the hiring of "at least" 2,000 more Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) agents to bolster the law-enforcement agency that's responsible for border control.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe also asked the federal government to put the CBSA under military command to "address concerns President Trump has raised."
The $2.6 billion Ottawa spends every year on CBSA could then be reclassified as military spending, helping the country chip away at its NATO commitment to spend two per cent of its GDP on defence, Moe said. Trump has repeatedly criticized Canada's low defence spending.
In a social media post after his first call with Trudeau wrapped earlier Monday, Trump chastised Canada for not allowing U.S. banks to "open or do business there."
New focus: Banking
Until this point, Trump has framed the threatened tariffs as a way to hit back at Canada for the ongoing trade deficit and supposed inaction on drugs and migrants crossing the northern border into the U.S. — his stated concerns about banking fairness are a new development.
A number of American banks do business in Canada with large lending and commercial and investment banking operations, among other functions, on this side of the 49th parallel.
There are 16 U.S.-based bank subsidiaries and branches in Canada holding about $113 billion in assets, according to the Canadian Bankers Association.
Personal banking in Canada is largely the domain of Canadian-based banks, due to stringent federal regulations designed to protect against bank failures. According to government figures, Canada's large banks hold more than 93 per cent of all domestic banking assets. Canadian banks are routinely ranked among the safest in the world.
Canada hits back after Trump imposes 25% tariffsLast night, Trump also raised the Canadian banking system with reporters after landing back in D.C. after a weekend at his Florida estate.
"Canada's been very abusive of the United States for many years. They don't allow our banks. Did you know that? Canada does not allow banks to go in. If you think about it, that's pretty amazing," he said.
In his Monday social media post, Trump said the trade standoff is "also a DRUG WAR, and hundreds of thousands of people have died in the U.S. from drugs pouring through the borders of Mexico and Canada."
American government data that shows comparatively little amounts of fentanyl — the drug Trump has said he's most concerned about — has been seized at the northern border in recent years.
Figures from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) show the agency seized 19.5 kilograms of fentanyl at the northern border last year, compared to 9,570 kilograms at the southwestern one.
Trump launched the first salvo in this trade dispute when he announced Saturday he would slap a 25 per cent tariff on virtually all Canadian goods with a lower rate — 10 per cent — for the country's energy products.
Trump said he was delivering on a campaign promise to seek retribution from countries he claims are "ripping off" the U.S.
Trump is fixated on the Canada-U.S. trade deficit, which is largely driven by American demand for cheaper Canadian oil. When oil exports are excluded, the Americans actually have a trade surplus with Canada, according to Canadian government data.
Trudeau has vowed to hit back and the federal government released a list of $155 billion worth of American goods that will face 25 per cent tariffs if Trump doesn't back off.
Speaking to Canadians late Saturday night after Trump made the tariffs official, Trudeau said, after more than a century of friendship and collaboration through world wars and natural disasters and a whole host of shared challenges, Canada doesn't want conflict with the U.S.
"We don't want to be here, we didn't ask for this, but we will not back down," he said. "We will not back down in standing up both for Canadians and for the incredible, successful relationship and partnership between Canada and the United States."
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Poilievre calls for Canada to send troops to U.S. border
Mexico plans to deploy 10,000 national guard troops, gets 1-month tariff delay
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called for Canadian soldiers to be sent to the border, hours before Canada announced a revamped border plan that appears to have stayed a historic trade war — at least for now.
The Opposition leader made his pitch when the threat of devastating tariffs were imminent. Trump had promised to impose 25 per cent tariffs against Canadian goods on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced just after 4:30 p.m. ET that U.S. President Donald Trump is holding off on levying tariffs on Canada for at least 30 days.
In a social media post Monday, Poilievre called on the federal government to "send Canadian Forces troops, helicopters [and] surveillance to the border now."
Poilievre also said a Conservative government would hire 2,000 more Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) agents and extend the powers of the agency along the entire border. As it stands, the CBSA is in charge of official ports of entry and the RCMP patrols in between.
His comments followed Mexico's announcements earlier in the day to deploy 10,000 national guard troops to the U.S. border, pleasing Trump and staving off tariffs in that country, too.
In a post on X after an afternoon call with Trump, Trudeau said nearly 10,000 front-line personnel "are and will be" working on protecting the border. The prime minister also said Canada has committed to appointing a new fentanyl "czar" who will lead Canada's efforts to crack down on fentanyl, a chief concern of Trump's, and promised to list Mexican cartels as terrorists under Canadian law.
The Canadian government has already committed $1.3 billion to bolster the border, including surveillance towers, dozens of drones and two Black Hawk helicopters the RCMP has leased.
Trump once again says he wants to see Canada made the '51 state'
Trump's reasons for engaging in an spat with his country's longtime ally have been shifting, but he has cited illegal fentanyl coming from Canada into the U.S. as justification for the trade standoff.
U.S. data shows relatively little amounts of fentanyl are seized at the northern border. Figures from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) show the agency seized 19.5 kilograms of fentanyl at the northern border last year, compared to 9,570 kilograms at the southwestern one.
However on Monday Trump tossed out other reasons. Following a morning call with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Trump took to social media where he went after Canada for not allowing U.S. banks to "open or do business there."
U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports set to come into effect TuesdayTaking questions from the Oval Office, he was asked what Canada could do to avoid Tuesday's tariffs.
"I'd like to see Canada become our 51st state," he responded.
During his news conference, Poilievre — who is leading in public opinion polling — was asked what Trump's ultimate goal is and whether Canada should make more concessions, including in the banking sector.
"You'd have to ask President Trump what his goals are," the Opposition leader responded.
"We need to protect our borders, not to please any other foreign leader."
Poilievre pledges to 'put Canada first’ in the face of U.S. tariffsHe urged the government to recall Parliament to pass what he called a "Canada-first plan" to counter Trump's tariffs.
Parliament is prorogued until March 24 as the Liberal Party chooses its next leader.
Poilievre did not directly answer whether opposition parties plan to set aside a non-confidence motion, triggering an immediate election, to first vote on a tariff package.
"The Liberal Party powers put themselves ahead of Canadians," he said of prorogation.
Moe calls for CAF to absorb border agency
Earlier Monday, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe suggested Ottawa look into making the CBSA a branch of the Canadian Armed Forces.
The premier said it would make it easier to deploy military troops along the border.
"Thereby addressing concerns President Trump has raised," he said.
Moe also suggested the Canadian Armed Forces absorbing the CBSA would help Canada get closer to meeting NATO's military investment benchmark of two per cent of gross domestic product.
Question of available troops
Just how many troops could be mustered to the border is an open question. The Canadian military has long been handicapped with a shortage of personnel and aging equipment.
As CBC News reported last year, internal Defence Department documents showed that only 58 per cent of the Canadian Armed Forces would be able to respond if called upon in a crisis by NATO allies — and almost half of the military's equipment is considered "unavailable and unserviceable."
"We have a crisis of confidence with the U.S. as they believe our border security is inadequate, and the U.S. is largely defending Canada because we won't do it ourselves — at least not to NATO or U.S. standards of readiness of people, equipment and training," said retired lieutenant-general Andrew Leslie, who is also a former Liberal MP.
"So, should Canada deploy regular and reserve soldiers along our border with the U.S. now? Yes. Should that have been done on [inauguration day] Jan. 20? Yes. Too bad they are not ready. It's now an emergency."
In an interview last month, Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan suggested the military could provide additional equipment to the border including helicopters and surveillance gear.
According to the Globe and Mail's story, Carignan said the military would only be there to support the RCMP and CBSA if required, and that "there is no intention to militarize the border."
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With files from Murray Brewster and J.P. Tasker
Trump has a 'good talk' with Trudeau — then calls again for Canada to become 51st state
Trump says he will speak again to the prime minister at 3 p.m. ET
Trump, Trudeau expected to speak again as tariff deadline nearsPrime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke to U.S. President Donald Trump early Monday morning about the forthcoming trade war that has the potential to inflict economic pain on workers and businesses on both sides of the border — and they are expected to speak again later today.
The Prime Minister's Office and the White House did not immediately release a readout of what was said on the call, but a spokesperson for Trudeau told CBC News they "spoke about trade and the border" and confirmed they will connect again this afternoon before tariffs are set to take effect on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office after the first call, Trump said he had a "good talk" with the prime minister.
He said Canada is "very tough" and "we're not treated well by Canada and we have to be treated well."
He claimed Canada "doesn't take our agricultural products, for the most part." It's an outlandish statement because the U.S. is Canada's largest agricultural trading partner, according to data from Trump's own government, representing some 57 per cent of Canadian food imports.
Trump said he asked Trudeau "a couple of questions" and the prime minister will report back in the afternoon.
The president has said for weeks he would like Canada to join the United States as the 51st state. It's a line he repeated again today, saying he would "love to see" Canada join the union. But he seemed to acknowledge it "would be a long shot," saying some unnamed people "don't have a threshold for pain."
Trump says Canada would become 51st state 'if people wanted to play the game right'Trump came to a deal with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum earlier Monday.
Sheinbaum said in a social media post she had a "good conversation" with the president after she agreed to deploy 10,000 Mexican national guard troops to the U.S. border.
She said the "tariffs are paused for one month from now," as a result of that commitment. A White House spokesperson confirmed to The Associated Press that Trump has agreed to "pause" his promised 25 per cent tariff on Mexican goods. Sheinbaum also said she would hold off on her threatened retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods.
Mexican President Sheinbaum says U.S. tariffs on her country delayed for 1 monthThe Mexican pause added to the trade drama because Trump's tariffs against Canada and China are still slated to go into effect.
After the news of Sheinbaum's deal broke, some Conservative politicians in Canada called for the federal government to deploy the military to the Canada-U.S. border, which was almost entirely demilitarized after the War of 1812 more than 200 years ago.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre asked Trudeau to "send Canadian Forces troops, helicopters and surveillance to the border now" to try and save the Canada-U.S. trade relationship and address Trump's concerns about drugs and migrants.
He also called for the hiring of "at least" 2,000 more Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) agents to bolster the law-enforcement agency that's responsible for border control.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe also asked the federal government to put the CBSA under military command to "address concerns President Trump has raised."
The $2.6 billion Ottawa spends every year on CBSA could then be reclassified as military spending, helping the country chip away at its NATO commitment to spend two per cent of its GDP on defence, Moe said. Trump has repeatedly criticized Canada's low defence spending.
The federal government already announced a bulked up $1.3 billion border plan in December to deploy more personnel and technology to better police the boundary. The government has also launched a fentanyl crackdown.
In a social media post after his call with Trudeau wrapped, Trump also chastised Canada for not allowing U.S. banks to "open or do business there."
New focus: banking
Until this point, Trump has framed the tariffs as a way to hit back at Canada for the ongoing trade deficit and supposed inaction on drugs and migrants crossing the northern border into the U.S. — his stated concerns about banking fairness are a new development.
A number of American banks do business in Canada with large lending and commercial and investment banking operations, among other functions, on this side of the 49th parallel.
There are 16 U.S.-based bank subsidiaries and branches in Canada holding about $113 billion in assets, according to the Canadian Bankers Association.
Personal banking in Canada is largely the domain of Canadian-based banks, due to stringent federal regulations designed to protect against bank failures. According to government figures, Canada's large banks hold more than 93 per cent of all domestic banking assets. Canadian banks are routinely ranked among the safest in the world.
Canada hits back after Trump imposes 25% tariffsLast night, Trump also raised the Canadian banking system with reporters after landing back in D.C. after a weekend at his Florida estate.
"Canada's been very abusive of the United States for many years. They don't allow our banks. Did you know that? Canada does not allow banks to go in. If you think about it, that's pretty amazing," he said.
In his Monday social media post, Trump said the trade standoff is "also a DRUG WAR, and hundreds of thousands of people have died in the U.S. from drugs pouring through the Borders of Mexico and Canada."
American government data that shows comparatively little amounts of fentanyl — the drug Trump has said he's most concerned about — has been seized at the northern border in recent years.
Figures from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) show the agency seized 19.5 kilograms of fentanyl at the northern border last year, compared to 9,570 kilograms at the southwestern one.
Despite the apparent standoff over these issues, Trump said he will speak to Trudeau again at 3 p.m.
Trudeau is set to meet with the Council on Canada-U.S. Relations later today to discuss the pending trade war and the tariffs that are set to take effect Tuesday.
Trump launched the first salvo in this trade dispute when he announced Saturday he would slap a 25 per cent tariff on virtually all Canadian goods with a lower rate — 10 per cent — for the country's energy products.
Trump said he was delivering on a campaign promise to seek retribution from countries he claims are "ripping off" the U.S.
Trump is fixated on the Canada-U.S. trade deficit, which is largely driven by American demand for cheaper Canadian oil. When oil exports are excluded, the Americans actually have a trade surplus with Canada, according to Canadian government data.
Trudeau has vowed to hit back and the federal government released a list of $155 billion worth of American goods that will face 25 per cent tariffs if Trump doesn't back off.
Speaking to Canadians late Saturday night after Trump made the tariffs official, Trudeau said, after more than a century of friendship and collaboration through world wars and natural disasters and a whole host of shared challenges, Canada doesn't want conflict with the U.S.
"We don't want to be here, we didn't ask for this, but we will not back down," he said. "We will not back down in standing up both for Canadians and for the incredible, successful relationship and partnership between Canada and the United States."
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Canada has 'good story' to tell U.S. about fentanyl, illegal crossings, Dominic LeBlanc says
Problems that Trump cites in his tariff argument are minimal, federal minister says
Whatever talks Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's has with U.S. President Donald Trump about the tariffs going into effect Tuesday shouldn't be considered a negotiation, according to federal Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc.
"Canadians don't expect the government of Canada to make concessions when we have a free trade agreement that President Trump signed in his last administration and said 'It was great for the United States," LeBlanc said Monday in an interview on Information Morning Moncton.
Over the weekend, Trump announced tariffs on Canadian imports of 25 per cent, except for energy, which faces a 10 per cent tariff.
Shortly after Trump's announcement, Trudeau announced counter-tariffs on thousands of U.S. products.
Trump has linked the U.S. tariffs to national security, specifically to illegal border crossings and fentanyl smuggling, LeBlanc said, but both of these are minimal at the Canadain-U.S. border.
"I'm confident that if the real pretext is border security, we have a very good story to tell the Americans," he said.
New Brunswick targets U.S. booze
In New Brunswick, Premier Susan Holt announced what the province will do to react to the tariffs, which includes measures aimed at American alcohol.
"N.B. Liquor sells $40 million worth of American alcohol products in our stores," Holt said in a statement posted to the province's website.
"I have directed N.B. Liquor to cease purchasing U.S. alcohol and to remove their products from the shelves."
Other moves include reviewing "the government's procurement and stop the signing of deals with United States companies." She also wants a review of internal trade barriers to facilitate more trade between provinces.
More details are expected when Holt speaks to the news media later Monday.
51st state rhetoric
After Canada's retaliatory tariffs were announced, Trump again called for Canada to become the 51st state.
"We don't need anything they have," he said in a social media post.
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt will announce what moves the province will make to respond to U.S. tariffs. (Patrick Lacelle/Radio-Canada)
"Without this massive subsidy, Canada ceases to exist as a viable Country. Harsh but true! Therefore, Canada should become our Cherished 51st State."
LeBlanc said while the rhetoric may have started as an attempt at humour around the dinner table, it's no longer funny. It's insulting.
"Canada is never going to be the 51st state."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from Information Morning Moncton
David Amos
Trump thinks our Minister of Finance comes from New Jersey
Bob Seusers
Reply to David Amos
You had me at "Trump thinks".
Marcel Marcotte
Reply to David Amos
He can't find New Brunswick on the map.
katiebernard
Reply to Marcel Marcotte
Neither can the ex-governor .
David Amos
Reply to Bob Seusers
Methinks you understand my sense of humour N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to katiebernard
He is not our ex-governor yet
Bob Seusers
Reply to David Amos
He quit.
katiebernard
Reply to David Amos
Unfortunately
David Amos
Reply to Bob Seusers
Not yet
David Amos
Reply to David Amos
Carney must be elected leader first
Reply to David Amos
The Grit coronation is underway .
Rolls Royce Carney has got this ... bet the family jewels .
Daniel Rawlins
Reply to katiebernard
Ex- governor?
Holt urges buying local, national unity in the face of Trump's tariffs
Premier plans to announces province's response on Monday
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt urged unity as the country faces tariffs on exports to the United States imposed by President Donald Trump.
On Saturday, the Trump administration announced a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian exports would come into effect this Tuesday. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded shortly after by announcing a 25 per cent tariff on American exports into Canada.
"It is time for Canada to stand strong and united against the threat of tariffs," Holt said in a statement posted to Facebook after a first ministers' meeting Saturday evening.
She said her team "will use every tool in our toolbox to defend and support New Brunswickers and put an end to these tariffs."
In a statement to CBC News, Katie Beers, Holt's press secretary, said the province will "be releasing our full response plan tomorrow."
In Nova Scotia, Premier Tim Houston announced Saturday night that the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation would remove American alcohol from its store shelves. Houston also announced increased tolls on U.S. commercial vehicles using the Cobequid Pass.
Holt said New Brunswick needs to "buy local, and get to work seizing the opportunities we have across New Brunswick and our country."
Business groups stress buying local
Chambers of commerce across the province are urging New Brunswickers to buy local products when it comes to responding to tariffs.
Morgan Peters, the CEO of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, said New Brunswickers should remain calm and focus on domestic growth.
“It
really feels like a shift, a long term shift and we need to align our
thinking along with that," said Morgan Peters, CEO of the Fredericton
Chamber of Commerce. (CBC)
"We're also encouraging folks not to think of it as a four-year problem," said Peters, referring to the length of Trump's second term in office.
"It really feels like a shift, a long-term shift and we need to align our thinking along with that."
Anthony Azard, the CEO of the Cap-Acadie Chamber of Commerce, said the tariffs could impact dozens of jobs in an area known for tourism and seafood.
He said while the domestic market isn't anywhere near as large as the U.S. market, it's important to support local businesses whenever possible.
"Every small step will be important at this point," said Azard.
Anthony
Azard, the CEO of the Cap-Acadie Chamber of Commerce, said the tariffs
could impact dozens of jobs in an area known for tourism and seafood. (CBC)
"Our businesses that are around the corner that are supporting our communities that are supporting soccer, hockey, dance teams across the region that gives money back to the community. They need to be supported first and foremost."
Peters agrees that supporting local is key, but said there needs to be some nuance.
"A great example are local car dealerships," said Peters.
"Their products, they have no choice but to come from the U.S., but they employ a lot of folks locally, support the economy locally, support a lot of groups locally."
Producers concerned
Agricultural and aquaculture producers are also concerned about what tariffs will mean for their businesses.
Donald Daigle, the president of the N.B. Cranberries Agency, said between 80 to 90 per cent of cranberries produced in the province, which is the third-largest producer in the country, are exported to the United States.
He said it's too early to tell what this will mean for business, but it doesn't sound good.
New Brunswick is the third largest cranberry producer in the country. (Alexandre Silberman/CBC)
"I know the buyers are very nervous at this point like a lot of Canadians are," said Daigle.
Daigle said cranberry producers have more time than with other agricultural producers since they harvest later in the year, but producers are looking at increasing trade with Europe to counteract the American tariff threat.
Meanwhile, Geoff Irvine, the executive director of the Lobster Council of Canada, said since it's the quiet season for lobster producers tariff threats aren't as top of mind, but the longer it lasts, the worse it will be.
"If it lasts into the spring season, which really begins in the middle of April, that's when we'll see the real impacts," Irvine told CBC Nova Scotia.
Lobster, especially frozen lobster, could be a major target for tariffs in New Brunswick. (Ken Linton/CBC)
One area that could particularly hurt would be the export of frozen lobster, which New Brunswick producers rely on.
"We kind of knew this was coming, so most people with frozen inventory have already moved [most of] it into the U.S.," said Irvine.
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With files from Richard Woodbury
CBC Shut down comment section quickly then deleted it
Karina Gould, Liberal Party of Canada Leadership Candidate | The Herle Burly
Air Quotes Media
BREAKING NEWS: President Trump Defends Tariffs, Heaps Fresh Criticism On Canada
Forbes Breaking News Here are all the ways Canada is striking back against Trump's tariffs
Canada imposing $155 billion in counter-tariffs, provinces launching their own moves
FULL SPEECH | Trudeau says Canada will retaliate with 25% tariffs on $155B of U.S. goodsU.S. President Donald Trump has declared a trade war on Canada, prompting the federal government, provinces and territories to launch their own countermeasures to hit back at the American economy.
Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on virtually all goods from Canada and a lower 10 per cent tariff on Canadian energy products. That means there will be a fee on Canadian products entering the United States — and those costs will likely be passed on to American consumers.
Likewise, the Canadian government has pledged to hit the U.S. with retaliatory 25 per cent tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods coming into Canada. There will be an immediate $30 billion implemented on Tuesday, and the remaining $125 billion in 21 days.
Those are the topline figures, but there's a slate of other actions the federal government and provinces are considering or have already begun to enact. Let's break down all the ways Canada is striking back against Trump's tariffs:
The federal government
According to a news release from the Department of Finance, the first $30-billion phase of the Canadian counter-tariff response will hit American products like orange juice, peanut butter, wine, spirits, beer, coffee, appliance, apparel, footwear, motorcycles, cosmetics and pulp and paper.
The second, $125-billion phase will include products like passenger vehicles and trucks, steel and aluminum products, certain fruits and vegetables, aerospace products, beef, pork, dairy, recreational vehicles and recreational boats, the news release said.
Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc said in an interview on Rosemary Barton Live that the first phase is largely "consumer goods that we would import from the United States for which there is a replacement" from other countries.
Finance minister 'confident' in Canada's united effort against U.S. tariffs LeBlanc acknowledged that putting counter-tariffs does add economic challenges for Canadians, who will likely need to pay more from American goods under scrutiny.
Therefore, LeBlanc said, the federal government and provinces have an obligation to support workers and people "unjustly affected by this American decision."
Opposition parties like the NDP have called on the federal government to recall Parliament and pass legislation to protect Canadian workers and businesses from the American tariffs.
When asked if he would recall Parliament, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Saturday night the federal government currently has the tools it needs to mount a response to Trump's tariffs.
U.S.
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he signs executive orders
in the Oval Office of the White House, on Friday in Washington. (Evan Vucci/The Associated Press)
Trump has claimed that fentanyl flowing into the U.S. from Canada is the reason behind his decision to impose the tariffs. Canadian officials have vigorously argued the amount of fentanyl flowing into the U.S. is minimal.
Figures from U.S. Customs and Border Protection show the agency seized just 19.5 kilograms of fentanyl at the northern border last year compared to 9,570 kilograms at the southwestern one.
On Saturday night, Trudeau said Canada and the U.S. have made progress in working together on addressing the flow of fentanyl, including sending joint teams to China to talk about precursor chemicals that get developed into fentanyl.
On Sunday night, Trump said he will be speaking on Monday to both Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, whose country was also tariffed.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre on Sunday urged the Liberal government to recall Parliament to put in place a "Canada first" plan to handle the economic repercussions from the tariffs.
Poilievre proposed retaliating "dollar for dollar" by targeting industries that will have a maximum impact on the U.S. while harming Canadian consumers as little as possible.
Poilievre outlines 7-point response to Trump's incoming tariffsHe also said any funds collected through retaliatory tariffs should be returned to Canadians, specifically through cuts on other taxes.
"The tariffs must not be a tax grab. None of the money should stay in government coffers," Poilievre said.
"All of it should go back to the workers and businesses that are affected — and most of it should go back in the form of a massive tax cut."
British Columbia
B.C. Premier David Eby called Trump's tariffs an "unprecedented attack." He said the province will support the federal government's actions and would work to protect B.C. workers and businesses.
On Saturday evening, Eby said he's directed the BC Liquor Distribution Branch to immediately stop buying American liquor from U.S. states that predominantly vote Republican — known as "red states" — and remove top-selling red-state brands from the shelves of public liquor stores.
B.C. premier bans 'red-state' American liquor in response to U.S. tariffsThe B.C. premier also said he's directed the provincial government and Crown corporations to exclude U.S. supplies from any new purchasing or procurement agreements.
In a news release, Eby's office said the province is assessing private-sector projects worth $20 billion with the goal of "getting them approved as quickly as possible, and issuing their permits faster."
"These are expected to create 6,000 jobs in remote and rural communities," the news release said.
There are additional measures under consideration by B.C. and could be introduced in the coming days and weeks, the news release added.
Alberta
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said in a statement posted to social media that Trump's tariff decision "will harm Canadian and Americans alike, and strain the important relationship between our two nations."
Smith said her province will "do everything in its power to convince the U.S. president and Congress, as well as the American people, to reverse this mutually destructive policy."
Alberta
Premier Danielle Smith, shown during the fall meetings of premiers in
Toronto on Dec. 16, said Saturday that she and her province 'will do
everything in its power' to convince Trump and Congress to reverse the
tariffs. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press)
Alberta will continue its diplomatic efforts to persuade Trump, lawmakers and administration officials to lift all tariffs on Canadian goods as soon as possible, Smith said.
The province will also continue its call for the appointment of a Canadian border czar to secure the Canada-U.S. border against illegal migrants and drugs moving in both directions, Smith added.
Finally, the Alberta premier said her province will "continue to strenuously oppose any effort to ban exports to the U.S. or to tax our own people and businesses on goods leaving Canada for the United States"
Smith has consistently argued against Canada using export taxes or other sanctions on oil as a pressure point in a trade war — a sticking point that has previously put her at odds with other provincial officials like Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
Saskatchewan
In a statement posted to social media, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said Trump's decision to impose tariffs is "disappointing and will damage both our countries' economics, workers and consumers."
Moe called on the federal government to strengthen the Criminal Code of Canada to toughen penalties for drug offences and "take all necessary measures to strengthen border security and have fentanyl removed from our communities in Canada and the U.S.A."
The premier said he supports "very targeted and specific retaliatory measures to initial tariffs. However, this should never be the longer-term answer."
"Saskatchewan's exports are crucial to supporting food and energy security across North America and around the world," Moe said. "We will also be working to ensure diversification of Saskatchewan markets for our goods."
Finally, Moe said the province will work with Saskatchewan businesses and other governments to find "common ground on this important issue to ensure that damaging tariffs are removed as quickly as possible."
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe speaks with media after Question Period on Dec. 5, 2024. (Kirk Fraser/CBC)
Manitoba
On Sunday afternoon, the Manitoba government announced it was issuing a directive to Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries to stop the sale of American products in the province. That directive goes into effect on Tuesday.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said on Sunday the provincial government will be working "around the clock to protect your jobs and to safeguard our economy at this time."
"Some of our fellow Manitobans are going to feel the impacts [of the tariffs] right away," Kinew said. "For other Manitobans and in other industries, it may take some time. But we all need to stand together, shoulder-to-shoulder to be there for one another."
Kinew reiterated the province also supports the federal government's response and will be unveiling new steps every day to "to support our economy and to protect your jobs."
Manitoba looking to 'send a message' to U.S. with tariff response, Kinew saysThe premier also encouraged Canadians to shop local, but recognized it may take time for shopping habits to change.
"As we go further into this scenario of living with the Trump tariff tax, then we need to seriously shift our habits ... toward Canadian products, Manitoba destinations and resources that are going to keep money in our own pockets here."
Ontario
In a similar move as Eby and Kinew, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has ordered the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) to remove American products from its shelves, starting Tuesday.
"As the only wholesaler of alcohol in the province, LCBO will also remove American products from its catalogue so other Ontario-based restaurants and retailers can't order or restock U.S. products," Ford said in a post on social media Sunday morning.
Ontario
Premier Doug Ford, wearing a 'Canada is not for sale' hat, speaks to
journalists before a provincial and territorial leaders meeting, in
Ottawa on Jan. 15. (Blair Gable/Reuters)
Earlier on Saturday, Ford, who is running for re-election on Feb. 27, pledged to spend billions to protect Ontario workers and businesses from the unprecedented economic threat.
Ford also said in a statement Saturday that he supports the federal government for a "strong and forceful response that matches U.S. tariffs dollar for dollar." He also said Canada needs to "maximize points of leverage and use them to maximum effect."
"Canada has so much of what America needs: high-grade nickel and other critical minerals, energy and electricity, uranium, potash, aluminum," Ford said in his statement.
"Together, we'll meet this moment. We'll stand united. We'll stand strong."
Quebec
Quebec Premier François Legault promised to fight for Quebecers who will be affected by Trump's tariffs, and estimated more than 100,000 jobs will be lost in the province.
Legault said he and all other Canadian premiers support the federal government's retaliatory measures and that Canada's counter-tariffs would "benefit our companies by 25 per cent."
The Quebec premier added he's looking at various solutions, including creating more jobs at Hydro-Québec and fast-tracking the construction of infrastructure in health, education and public transit sectors.
Legault also said his government will take actions to help small businesses and that the tariffs could be an opportunity for Quebec companies to "replace American products" and develop new markets.
Quebec Premier François Legault speaks as he arrives for a first ministers meeting, in Ottawa on Jan. 15. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press)
On Sunday afternoon, the Quebec government announced that it asked the province's liquor board, the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ), to remove all American products from its shelves starting Tuesday.
It also instructed the SAQ to halt the supply of American alcoholic beverages to agencies, grocery stores, restaurants and bars. The changes may take a few days to be fully implemented, according to the government.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said in a Facebook post that Trump's tariffs will "devastate New Brunswick workers, businesses and the economy."
"Our team will use every tool in our toolbox to defend and support New Brunswickers and put an end to these tariffs," Holt said.
New
Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said in a Facebook post that 'our team
will use every tool in our toolbox to defend and support New
Brunswickers and put an end to these tariffs.' (Patrick Lacelle/Radio-Canada)
Holt said it's "now more important than ever to build up our economy, buy local, and get to work seizing the opportunities we have across New Brunswick and our country."
In a statement to CBC News, Katie Beers, Holt's press secretary, said the province will "be releasing our full response plan" on Monday.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said in a statement that it's "remarkable we find ourselves at odds with our best friend and neighbour. It will take thoughtfulness and time but we will get through this."
Houston said Nova Scotia will limit access to provincial procurement for American businesses, look for ways to cancel existing contracts, double the cost of tolls at Cobequid Pass and direct the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation to remove all U.S. alcohol from their shelves on Tuesday.
Prime
Minister Justin Trudeau, left, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and
Communities Sean Fraser, second from left, meet with Nova Scotia Premier
Tim Houston, right, in Halifax on Dec. 9, 2024. (Darren Calabrese/The Canadian Press)
The premier also said Nova Scotia "must ramp up our focus on finding new markets here at home with programs like Nova Scotia Loyal, focus on developing our own resources, eliminate inter-provincial trade barriers and, finally, of course, look for international diversification."
"We will do these things and no matter what, I will do everything I can to protect the interests of hard-working Nova Scotians and their families," Houston added.
Prince Edward Island
In a statement sent out Saturday, P.E.I. Premier Dennis King said Trump's tariffs "pose a serious risk to Canadian industries, including those that are the backbone of Prince Edward Island's economy — our farmers, fishers, manufacturers, and exporters."
King said on Saturday evening he convened the PEI Cabinet Committee on US Relations, which includes several provincial ministers responsible for finances, agriculture, economic development and fisheries.
Prince
Edward Island Premier Dennis King, left, speaks to media while Houston
listens during the closing news conference at the Council of the
Federation Canadian premiers' meeting in July 2023. (John Woods/The Canadian Press)
The premier said the committee "will be working with their department and their stakeholders between now and Tuesday to share information and ensure our response is strong."
"We will take the necessary steps to protect jobs, support businesses and ensure our industries remain competitive," King said.
"Our province, like our country, has always relied on strong, fair-trade relationships," King added. "We will work closely with the federal government and our provincial and territorial partners to push back against these tariffs and make it clear that Canadian businesses and workers cannot be treated unfairly."
Like other provinces, P.E.I. announced Sunday that it will be removing American products from its shelves at provincially run liquor stores, while private retailers won't be able to purchase American alcohol from the provincial wholesaler. The province also said it will be limiting government procurement from U.S.-based companies.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey had some of the most dire warnings about Trump's tariffs, calling them "an existential threat" to Canada and an "attack on Canadians, an attack on their values, on our sovereignty."
In a statement, Furey said he expects the federal government to "action a comprehensive approach to help impacted businesses, workers, and support and service sectors."
N.L. premier says Canadian identity 'under attack' with Trump tariff threats"We are also working on a variety of initiatives including helping identify new markets for Newfoundland and Labrador businesses, as well as opportunities to diversify their supply chains," Furey added.
The premier also encouraged residents to buy local. "There are a lot of substitutes for the American products we consume," Furey said.
Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut
Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson said in a statement the "aggressive and disappointing decision by the United States government to impose tariffs on all Canadian goods means that we, as Northerners and as Canadians, must prepare for increased economic uncertainty."
N.W.T. Premier R.J Simpson speaks at the 2024 Western Premiers’ Conference in Whitehorse, in June 2024. (Crystal Schick/The Canadian Press)
Simpson said his government is committed to working with federal, provincial and territorial partners as well as Indigenous and community governments in the region as part of a co-ordinated approach to the tariffs.
The Northwest Territories government will review procurement policies to eliminate purchases from U.S. companies where possible and halt the Northwest Territories Liquor and Cannabis Commission's purchase of American goods.
"These are significant measures, and we do not take them lightly," Simpson said. "We will continue to identify meaningful ways to stand in solidarity with our fellow Canadians."
Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai said in a Facebook post on Saturday that his government supports Canada's response. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)
Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai said in a Facebook post on Saturday that Trump's tariffs are "insult to the friendship and partnership that has existed between Canada and the U.S. for generations" and his government supports Canada's response.
"We'll keep working to strengthen our local economy, support our industries, break down barriers to interprovincial trade and build new markets abroad," Pillai said. "The Government of Yukon will work with the federal government to make sure that Yukon businesses impacted by the Trump tariffs are supported."
Pillai issued a statement on Sunday that the territorial liquor wholesaler will stop purchasing American alcohol. He also said the territorial government will be reviewing its procurement policies to exclude American goods and services.
Nunavut
Premier P.J. Akeeagok said in an Instagram post on Saturday, 'In a time
of uncertainty, the Arctic can unlock new economic opportunities for
our country.' (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press)
Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok said in an Instagram post on Saturday that "Nunavut stands with team Canada on a strong and decisive response to U.S. tariffs."
"Canada's Arctic is a region of opportunity, from critical minerals in our land to an abundance of fish in our waters, it's time to invest in our own economy and communities," Akeeagok said. "In a time of uncertainty, the Arctic can unlock new economic opportunities for our country."
The Nunavut premier added that "through innovation, ingenuity and resilience that we will endure and continue to prosper."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from John Paul Tasker, Hénia Ould-Hammou
Canadian, Mexican plan to undo tariffs should focus on Americans, not Trump: ex-trade negotiator
CBC News Trump Reacts to Canada's Retaliation; Choose Between Statehood and Tariffs: Will Canada React?
Fastepo 
Donald Trump has ruptured the Canada-U.S. relationship. To what end? And what comes next?
Trudeau tries to prepare Canadians for a struggle as counter-tariffs announced
Addressing both Canadians and Americans on Saturday night, at one of the most fraught moments in the history of relations between Canada and the United States, Justin Trudeau reminded listeners of John F. Kennedy's words when the late American president addressed Parliament in May 1961.
"Geography has made us neighbours. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners. And necessity has made us allies," the prime minister said, quoting Kennedy.
Trudeau did not repeat the next sentence in Kennedy's remarks: "Those whom nature hath so joined together, let no man put asunder."
Perhaps that line would have seemed in this moment like a direct attack on the current American president. But Kennedy's sentiment may have been implied as Trudeau proceeded to recount all of the occasions on which Canadians and Americans have fought together and all of the moments in which Canadians have been there to assist their neighbour.
Together, Trudeau said, Canada and the United States have built the most successful economic, military and security partnership the world has ever seen and a relationship that is the envy of the world.
"Unfortunately, the actions taken today by the White House split us apart instead of bringing us together," Trudeau said as he announced how Canada will hit back at U.S. tariffs.
The depth and duration of the split remains to be seen. In the short term, it could be very difficult — not least for those whose jobs and livelihoods are now threatened. And at an anxious moment for the country, Trudeau seemed intent on both pulling Canadians together and preparing them for a significant struggle: "There are many ways for you to do your part," he said.
But even if this rupture is somehow patched over relatively quickly, it's easy to imagine how this could leave the sort of lasting scars that change for the long-term the relationship between two nations that nature hath joined together.
How did we get here?
The United States has now commenced a trade war against its closest ally and trading partner. And there is much to consider about what comes next. But it's also worth reviewing how we got here.
On Nov. 5, Americans chose Donald Trump to be their next president. Twenty days later, Trump announced, via a post to his own social-media platform, that he would apply a 25 per cent tariff to all products imported into the United States from Canada and Mexico — a response, he claimed, to the fact that people and illegal drugs were entering the United States from those two countries.
At least in the case of Canada, this was an irrational justification. Seizures of fentanyl at America's northern border represented 0.08 per cent of all fentanyl seized by American officials in the last fiscal year. The number of people entering the United States through Canada has also been a fraction of the total number of people entering via Mexico.
Regardless, preventing unwanted people and things from entering the United States is first and foremost the responsibility of the United States. If the U.S. believes it is justified in levying tariffs in this case, then Canadian officials would presumably have grounds to levy tariffs in response to the flow of illegal firearms that enter this country through the United States.
Canadian officials were nonetheless obliged — both political and practically — to take Trump's stated concerns seriously. And so they did. New resources were marshalled and new commitments to cross-border co-operation were made. By the federal government's estimate, the total package of measures will cost $1.3 billion.
But either it wasn't enough or it simply didn't matter.
Paul Krugman, the Nobel-winning economist and commentator, suggested this week that the use of fentanyl to justify this trade war was akin to a previous American administration's claims of "weapons of mass destruction" as a pretext to launch an invasion of Iraq in 2003.
"It's just a plausible-sounding reason for a president to do what he wanted to do for other reasons — George W. Bush wanted a splendid little war, Donald Trump just wants to impose tariffs and assert dominance," Krugman wrote.
Why does Trump want to put tariffs on Canada?
It can't be said that Trump is responding to some great desire on the part of Americans to get tough on Canadian-made products. A Reuters/Ipsos poll in January found just 37 per cent of Americans support a new tax on Canadian goods. Abacus Data similarly found that just 28 per cent of Americans think a 25 per cent tariff is a "good idea."
The White House referred to the tariffs as "leverage" on Saturday. But it's unclear what more the United States wants. And whatever his stated concerns about fentanyl, Trump may more profoundly view tariffs as a way to raise revenue for a federal government that is already running a deficit of $1.8 trillion US, and as a method to force companies to manufacture products within the United States.
"We were at our richest from 1870 to 1913," Trump said on Friday. "That's when we were a tariff country."
At least as measured by GDP, it's hard to see how the United States was richer at the dawn of the 20th century. But returning to the world of 1913 would mean reversing nearly a century of increasing economic integration between Canada and the United States — integration that was formalized by a succession of free-trade deals, the most recent of which was negotiated, signed and celebrated by Trump himself just over six years ago.
At the very least, Trump has seemingly now sent the message to Canadian leaders — and leaders in many other countries — that America is no longer to be regarded as a reliable ally or trading partner. He seems to believe America's economic power exists to be wielded against others, both foes and friends, with no concern for either America's international relationships or the welfare of citizens in other countries.
What will this do to the Canadian psyche?
Trudeau said he trusts the American people and doesn't believe they wake up wanting to pick a fight with Canada. And perhaps the president's continued focus on fentanyl offers a way out. Perhaps Canadian officials can continue to implement measures related to the border and then Trump can claim victory and everyone can go back to their corners. At least until the next tariff is threatened.
But what of the Canadian political psyche? Canadians had largely overcome the fears of previous decades and grown comfortable with closer economic integration with the United States. Fears of American cultural influence had also receded. At least until now.
Fans at an Ottawa Senators game on Saturday night booed the American national anthem. In addition to the $155 billion in counter-tariffs announced by Trudeau on Saturday night, Nova Scotia announced that highway tolls would be increased on American trucks and American alcohol would be pulled off the province's store shelves. British Columbia announced that the province would no longer sell alcohol from "red states" — that is, American states that voted for Trump last November.
Trudeau spoke of preserving the relationship between Canada and the United States and "necessity" and "economics" may ultimately carry the day. But Trudeau also called on Canadians to "choose Canada" — in their day-to-day purchases and even in their choice of where to vacation.
If nothing else, Trump's aggression may be a shot in the arm for Canadian patriotism.
"Canada is home to bountiful resources, breathtaking beauty, and a proud people who've come from every corner of the globe to forge a nation with a unique identity worth embracing and celebrating," Trudeau said on Saturday night.
Trudeau finished his prepared remarks with "Vive le Canada," a trademark rallying cry of former prime minister Jean Chrétien.
Chrétien lived through some of the seminal moments in the making of modern Canada — the repatriation of the Constitution, the Quebec referendums of 1980 and 1995 — and his last great political act as prime minister was refusing to go along with the American invasion of Iraq.
For Canadians, going our own way may be newly back in fashion.
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Trudeau hits back at the U.S. with big tariffs after Trump launches a trade war
Retaliation comes after U.S. President Donald Trump slapped 25% tariffs on goods
- Trump's imposing a 25 per cent tariff on virtually all goods from Canada, and levying tariffs of 25 per cent on Mexican goods, 10 per cent on China products, all expected to take effect Tuesday.
- In response, Trudeau announced Canada will hit back against the U.S. with tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods in the coming days.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced late Saturday the federal government will hit back against the U.S. after President Donald Trump launched a trade war this weekend with punitive tariffs on all Canadian goods.
Trudeau said Canada won't stand for an attack from a country that was supposed to be an ally and friend.
Ottawa will immediately levy retaliatory tariffs on a whole host of American goods as payback for Trump's attempt to wreck the Canadian economy, Trudeau said.
To start, Canada will slap 25 per cent tariffs on $30 billion worth of American goods coming into Canada as of Tuesday. The tariffs will then be applied to another $125 billion worth of American imports in three weeks' time.
"We don't want to be here, we didn't ask for this, but we will not back down in standing up for Canadians," Trudeau said.
The prime minister said American liquor like beer, wine and spirits, vegetables, clothing, shoes and perfume will be among the first items to face Canadian retaliatory tariffs. Canada will also put tariffs on American consumer products such as household appliances, furniture and sports equipment.
Trudeau said there is more non-tariff trade action coming to try to force Trump's hand and get him to call off the hostilities.
Those actions are still to be decided but could include measures like restrictions on the export of critical minerals and energy products to the U.S. and a move to block American companies from bidding on government contracts, he said.
Trudeau on U.S. tariffs: 'We didn't ask for this, but we will not back down'Trudeau urged Canadians to rally around the flag and choose Canadian products wherever possible to support embattled businesses. He asked shoppers to check labels before buying anything at the grocery store.
"Find your own way to stand up for Canada. In this moment, we must pull together because we love this country," he said.
While Trump has threatened to raise tariffs even higher if Canada retaliates, Trudeau said he was unbowed.
"We're not looking to escalate, but we will stand up for Canada, Canadians and Canadian jobs. That's my job and that's exactly what we're doing," he said.
Trudeau said he's been trying to reach Trump since his inauguration two weeks ago but hasn't heard back.
He said he wants to relay to Trump that it's better to tackle challenges such as drugs and migrants together as partners rather than as combatants in a trade dispute.
"People are upset and hurt by what's gone on here," Trudeau said. "But I have faith."
Trump slaps 25% tariff on Canadian goods
Trump launched a trade war against Canada earlier Saturday by imposing a 25 per cent tariff on virtually all goods from this country — an unprecedented strike against a long-standing ally that has the potential to throw the economy into a tailspin.
Trump's long-threatened plan to inflict economic pain on Canada has materialized on the day he said it would, and it includes a 10 per cent tariff on Canadian energy products. Trump is also levying tariffs of 25 per cent on all Mexican goods and 10 per cent on goods from China.
These potentially devastating tariffs are slated to take effect on Tuesday and remain in place until Trump is satisfied Canada is doing enough to stop the flow of fentanyl into the U.S.
"The extraordinary threat posed by illegal aliens and drugs, including deadly fentanyl, constitutes a national emergency," a White House fact sheet on the tariffs reads.
"President Trump is taking bold action to hold Mexico, Canada and China accountable to their promises of halting illegal immigration and stopping poisonous fentanyl and other drugs from flowing into our country."
Trump wants to 'stem the tide of illicit drugs'
In the executive order officially imposing the tariffs, Trump writes Canada has played "a central role" in the U.S.'s fentanyl challenges, despite American government data that shows comparatively little of the drug has been seized at the northern border in recent years.
Trump said Canada has failed to "devote sufficient attention and resources or meaningfully co-ordinate" with the U.S. to "stem the tide of illicit drugs."
Police in Canada have been carrying out fentanyl busts across the country, including one of the largest in Canadian history, in British Columbia last November.
President
Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he signs executive orders in the
Oval Office of the White House, in Washington, D.C., on Friday. (Evan Vucci/The Associated Press)
There's a reason Trump is framing the expected tariffs as a response to an "emergency" drug and migrant crisis: It gives him the leeway to impose tariffs even though the new NAFTA is in place to prevent exactly these sorts of levies.
Experts have said trade action of this magnitude has the potential to shave billions of dollars off of Canada's gross domestic product and plunge the country into a painful recession requiring government stimulus to prop up the economy.
Canada must 'hit back and hit back hard,' Ford says
Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford, who currently leads the premiers as head of the Council of the Federation, said Canada has "no choice but to hit back and hit back hard."
Ford recently called a snap provincial election, saying he wanted a stronger mandate to deal with tariff issues.
"The coming days and weeks will be incredibly difficult," Ford said. "Trump's tariffs will devastate our economy. They'll put 450,000 jobs at risk across the province. Every sector and region will feel the impact."
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who has been reluctant to support aggressive trade action against the U.S. until now, said in a statement that Trump's "mutually destructive policy" demands a response.
She said she supports "the strategic use of Canadian import tariffs on U.S. goods that are more easily purchased from Canada and non-U.S. suppliers."
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said he is taking action right away in response to what he called Trump's "remarkable" broadside.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, centre, speaks to Quebec Premier François Legault, right, beside Ontario Premier Doug Ford. (Darren Calabrese/Canadian Press)
Houston said Nova Scotia will double highway tolls for U.S. commercial vehicles and direct the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation to remove all U.S. liquor from its shelves as of Feb. 4.
Trump's move Saturday shows no country is safe from his push to dramatically reshape the U.S. economy, roll back globalization and torpedo free trade deals like the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement, that he signed in his first term.
Some $800 billion worth of goods crossed the Canada-U.S. border in the first nine months of 2024 alone, according to Canadian government data.
Trump's tariffs could drive down the flow of those goods with major ramifications for businesses and workers on both sides of the 49th parallel given just how intertwined the two countries are after decades of liberalized trade.
Data breaks down what's driving trade deficit
Trump is delivering on a campaign promise to seek retribution from countries he claims are "ripping off" the U.S.
By doing so, he is ignoring data that indicates the Canada-U.S. trade deficit is largely driven by American demand for cheaper Canadian oil. When oil exports are excluded, the Americans actually have a trade surplus with Canada, according to Canadian government data.
Trump imposes tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico and ChinaTrump has cited wildly inaccurate trade deficit figures in the past, claiming at different times it's anywhere from $100 billion to $200 billion. The U.S. government's own data suggests the trade in goods deficit with Canada was $55 billion US as of November 2024.
Trump has also said the tariffs are to punish Canada for being lax on drugs and migrants even as the U.S. government's figures show less than one per cent of fentanyl and illegal migrants are coming from this country.
'This is a very difficult day': Business Council of Canada presidentFigures from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) show the agency seized 19.5 kilograms of fentanyl at the northern border last year, compared to a whopping 9,570 kilograms at the southwestern one.
The president teased for weeks that if Canada did more to crack down on the border, the country might get a reprieve from his trade actions.
The Canadian government delivered a billion-dollar border plan, but it wasn't enough.
The trickle-down effects of tariffs
Starting next week, American companies will be forced to pay tariffs to the U.S. government on the Canadian goods they import.
Those added costs could make some Canadian goods less competitive compared to those made in the U.S. or coming from other countries.
If Canadian companies can't sell their products into the U.S. at the same volume, some of them may have to close down or scale back and lay off workers.
But some goods can't easily be replaced, and there are potential knock-on effects for the U.S. economy, such as higher prices for American consumers.
N.L. premier says Canadian identity 'under attack' with Trump tariff threatsBefore Trump imposed his tariffs, the Canadian government said U.S. gas prices could jump some 75 cents US a gallon overnight if he went ahead with tariffs.
Some U.S. Midwest refineries are entirely reliant on heavy crude from Alberta, and the Americans don't produce nearly enough oil on their own to meet demand.
The cost of electricity could also get immediately more expensive because many U.S. states rely on power from energy-rich provinces like B.C., Ontario and Quebec to keep the lights on in millions of American households.
Canadian lumber, favoured by U.S. homebuilders, will also spike, driving up the cost of new homes at a time when home prices have never been higher in the U.S.
Poilievre wants Parliament recalled
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre condemned what he called Trump's "massive, unjust and unjustified tariffs."
He urged the Liberal government to recall Parliament — it's prorogued until late March as the Liberals choose a leader to replace Trudeau — and enact retaliatory measures, including dollar-for-dollar tariffs on U.S. goods, with all the money raised going to "help for affected workers and businesses."
As part of what he's calling his Canada First Plan, Poilievre also wants the government to implement a "massive" tax cut and pursue swift approvals for new pipelines, mines and liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants to help bolster the economy.
"We will protect our economy, defend our sovereignty, bring home production and paycheques, and never back down," he said.
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With files from David Cochrane
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