In a fiery statement from Toronto, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau criticized the recent American tariffs as “foolish” and accused U.S. President Donald Trump of simultaneously warming up to Russia while engaging in a trade conflict with Canada. Speaking candidly during one of his last conferences before stepping down, Trudeau announced plans for Canada to enforce retaliatory tariffs exceeding $100 billion on U.S. products in response to Trump’s imposition of 25% tariffs.
Trudeau expressed his frustration, stating, “The United States has launched a trade war against their closest partner and ally while trying to foster positive relations with Russia, a nation led by Vladimir Putin, whom many see as a deceitful and brutal leader. This is incomprehensible,” he added with visible agitation.
Trump’s decision to institute tariffs against America’s top trading partners, notably Mexico, Canada, and China, sparked immediate backlash, affecting global financial markets considerably. The tariffs, effective just past midnight, involve a 25% duty on various imports from Mexico and Canada, though Canadian energy products face a slightly lower levy of 10%.
In his address, Trudeau accused Trump of wanting to destabilize the Canadian economy, with a view to making it easier to assert dominance over the country, vowing that Canada will never become “the 51st state.” He addressed Trump directly, stating, “Donald, even if I don’t often agree with the Wall Street Journal, it’s clear that despite your intelligence, this act is remarkably unwise.”
Trump, responding on Truth Social, warned that any retaliatory tariffs from Canada would be met with equal U.S. tariffs. His actions have incited nationalistic sentiments in Canada, leading to instances where American national anthems have been booed at sports events such as NHL and NBA games.
Trudeau reflected this sentiment, highlighting that many Canadians are feeling betrayed. “We are hurt, and we are angry,” he said, advocating for Canadians to forgo vacations in Florida and support local products, suggesting that the custom of booing the U.S. anthem might persist.
Escalating tensions even further, the Premier of Ontario, the largest province in Canada, proposed a 25% export tax on electricity going to the U.S., hinting that it might be ceased entirely if the tariffs continue. Ontario supplied electricity to 1.5 million homes across Michigan, New York, and Minnesota in 2023.
Ontario’s Premier, Doug Ford, went on to express intentions to stop selling nickel and rare minerals to the States if necessary. The impact extends to consumer goods, with Ontario and other provinces pulling American liquor products off their sale shelves. The Liquor Control Board of Ontario moves over $687 million (converted to Canadian dollars) worth of American alcoholic products annually.
