Canada should not ‘freak out’ about Trump’s tariff threat, Trudeau says
The President-elect has issued a warning to Ottawa regarding 25% tariffs on imports unless there is an enhancement of border security. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The president-elect of the United States has issued a warning to Ottawa regarding the imposition of 25% tariffs on all imports from Canada.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged Canadians to stay calm in response to these potential "devastating" tariffs, asserting that Canada would retaliate against any unfair measures. Trump has indicated that these tariffs will be enforced if Canada does not enhance border security to address drug smuggling and illegal migration, a similar threat he has made towards Mexico.
Trudeau emphasized the importance of composure, stating, “One of the most important things for us to do is not to freak out, not to panic,” during an event hosted by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce on Monday.
The prime minister acknowledged the severe impact that such tariffs would have on the Canadian economy, noting that Canada is a significant supplier of crude oil, natural gas, steel, aluminum, electricity, and various agricultural products to the United States.
Currently, many imports from Canada and Mexico benefit from exemptions due to a trade agreement initiated during Trump’s first term.
Trudeau pointed out that Trump was elected "on a commitment to make life better and more affordable for Americans," suggesting that imposing tariffs on Canadian goods would ultimately lead to higher costs for American consumers.
He mentioned that Ottawa would “respond to unfair tariffs” in several ways, referring to the incident in 2018 when the U.S. imposed tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. In retaliation, Canada executed "carefully targeted" duties on U.S. products such as ketchup, ballpoint pens, cherries, and Harley Davidson motorcycles. Trudeau noted that these tariffs impacted electoral districts represented by key Republicans, contributing to Trump’s decision to lift them.
Reports from Radio-Canada and CBC News indicated that the Trudeau government is contemplating a $1 billion investment to bolster border security with the U.S. in an effort to address Trump's concerns and avoid the tariffs.
In November, Trump had announced plans for 25% tariffs on both Canada and Mexico as part of a broader strategy aimed at combating illegal immigration and drug trafficking, issues that featured prominently in the campaign for the 2024 presidential election.
He expressed on his Truth Social platform, “Thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing crime and drugs at levels never seen before,” asserting that both countries “have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem.”
Frederick R Cook contributed to this report for TROIB News
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged Canadians to stay calm in response to these potential "devastating" tariffs, asserting that Canada would retaliate against any unfair measures. Trump has indicated that these tariffs will be enforced if Canada does not enhance border security to address drug smuggling and illegal migration, a similar threat he has made towards Mexico.
Trudeau emphasized the importance of composure, stating, “One of the most important things for us to do is not to freak out, not to panic,” during an event hosted by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce on Monday.
The prime minister acknowledged the severe impact that such tariffs would have on the Canadian economy, noting that Canada is a significant supplier of crude oil, natural gas, steel, aluminum, electricity, and various agricultural products to the United States.
Currently, many imports from Canada and Mexico benefit from exemptions due to a trade agreement initiated during Trump’s first term.
Trudeau pointed out that Trump was elected "on a commitment to make life better and more affordable for Americans," suggesting that imposing tariffs on Canadian goods would ultimately lead to higher costs for American consumers.
He mentioned that Ottawa would “respond to unfair tariffs” in several ways, referring to the incident in 2018 when the U.S. imposed tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. In retaliation, Canada executed "carefully targeted" duties on U.S. products such as ketchup, ballpoint pens, cherries, and Harley Davidson motorcycles. Trudeau noted that these tariffs impacted electoral districts represented by key Republicans, contributing to Trump’s decision to lift them.
Reports from Radio-Canada and CBC News indicated that the Trudeau government is contemplating a $1 billion investment to bolster border security with the U.S. in an effort to address Trump's concerns and avoid the tariffs.
In November, Trump had announced plans for 25% tariffs on both Canada and Mexico as part of a broader strategy aimed at combating illegal immigration and drug trafficking, issues that featured prominently in the campaign for the 2024 presidential election.
He expressed on his Truth Social platform, “Thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing crime and drugs at levels never seen before,” asserting that both countries “have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem.”
Frederick R Cook contributed to this report for TROIB News
