Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has urged provincial leaders across the country to unite in response to tariff threats posed by U.S. President Donald Trump against Canada and Mexico, their main trade allies. Trudeau and provincial leaders held a virtual meeting where they exchanged details of recent discussions with U.S. officials, highlighting the importance of a united approach to protect Canadian interests and establish a productive relationship with the new administration in the United States.
In response to the tariff threats, the province of Alberta, Canada's largest oil producer, has opposed the potential embargo on energy exports, being the only region to express opposition to the measure. Trump has threatened to impose a 25 percent tariff on Canada starting February 1, raising concerns within the Canadian government about the potentially devastating consequences for the economy and employment in the country.
Trudeau had already held a meeting last week with the leaders of Canada's provinces and territories to address issues related to the Trump administration. In that meeting, it was agreed to hold annual joint meetings to confront the crisis posed by the new president. This is the first time in Canadian history that the Prime Minister meets weekly with provincial leaders.
Canada has announced investments of 1.3 billion Canadian dollars to strengthen its border with the United States, one of Trump's initial requests. The three countries, Canada, the United States, and Mexico, maintain a free trade agreement known as USMCA, which was renegotiated and came into force in 2020. Trade between Canada and the United States reached 1.3 trillion Canadian dollars in 2023, reflecting a daily bilateral exchange of goods and services valued at 3.5 billion Canadian dollars.
Trudeau has warned that if tariffs are imposed on Canadian imports, Canada will respond with retaliatory measures, which could include an embargo on energy exports.
