TORONTO — Canadian officials voiced strong criticism on Tuesday regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s intention to implement extensive tariffs, with the premier of the nation’s most populous province labeling Trump’s comparison of Canada to Mexico as “the most insulting thing I’ve ever heard.”
Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China immediately upon his inauguration in January, utilizing this as a strategy to combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking. He specifically mentioned a potential 25% tax on products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico, proposing it as one of his initial executive orders.
“It is extremely insulting to equate us with Mexico, particularly from our friends and closest allies,” remarked Ontario Premier Doug Ford. “I find these comments not only unfair but deeply offensive. It feels akin to being betrayed by a family member.” Ford also indicated that Canada may have to respond proportionately.
In light of the escalating situation, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to hold an emergency meeting with provincial leaders on Wednesday, prompting a significant decline in the value of the Canadian dollar on international markets.
Following Trump’s tariff threat, Trudeau noted that he had spoken with the president-elect. “We discussed the strong and beneficial ties that exist between our countries. Our conversation included potential mutual challenges we could tackle together. It was a productive call,” Trudeau shared.
Trump issued his tariffs warning while expressing outrage over an increase in illegal migration, despite reports indicating that apprehensions at the southern U.S. border are currently at a four-year low. In contrast, the number of apprehensions along the Canadian border remains considerably lower.
“We must not confuse the situation at the Mexican border with that of the Canadian border,” stated Canadian Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne. In October alone, U.S. Border Patrol made 56,530 arrests at the Mexican border, compared to 23,721 arrests at the Canadian border between October 2023 and September 2024.
“It’s like comparing a busy weekend at the Mexican border to what we see in Canada,” said Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller, who mentioned that Canada is contemplating various border security enhancements, including allocating additional resources.
Canada is one of the most trade-reliant nations globally, with 77% of its exports directed to the U.S. On a daily basis, nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (roughly US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border. The U.S. relies on Canada for approximately 60% of its crude oil imports and 85% of its electricity imports, making Canada a crucial supplier of essential commodities, including steel, aluminum, and uranium.
During Trump’s initial term, previous tariff implementations prompted retaliatory measures from other countries. In 2018, Canada introduced billions in new duties against the U.S. following the imposition of tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. Many U.S. products targeted were selected for their political significance instead of their economic value, such as yogurt, with only $3 million worth imported from the U.S. annually.
Canadians are once again particularly apprehensive about the prospect of auto tariffs, given the sector’s vital role in the economy. The North American automotive industry is intricately connected, with components manufactured in Canada often utilized in vehicles produced in the U.S. and sold back to Canadian consumers.
“Trying to separate it with a tariff is like trying to distinguish the yolks from the whites in an omelet. It’s impossible,” explained Flavio Volpe, president of Canada’s Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association. “Inflicting harm on the Canadian automotive sector inevitably impacts the American automotive industry as well.”
Such tariffs would also jeopardize the reliability of the U.S.-Canada-Mexico trade agreement established in 2020, which was significantly influenced by Trump and is due for a review in 2026.