Canada will take swift and decisive action if the United States follows through on its threat to impose tariffs, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday, cautioning that Canadians could face economic hardship in the weeks ahead.
President Donald Trump has set a Saturday deadline to implement a 25 percent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico. The White House says the move is aimed at addressing illegal immigration and the fentanyl crisis.
Speaking to an advisory council on Canada-U.S. relations, Trudeau emphasized that Canada is at a pivotal moment and will not hesitate to respond.
“We’re ready with a response—a purposeful, forceful, but reasonable, immediate response. It’s not what we want, but if he moves forward, we will also act,” Trudeau said in televised remarks, adding that all options remain on the table.
The United States is Canada’s largest trading partner, with 75 percent of Canadian exports destined for the U.S. economy. The proposed tariffs could significantly disrupt trade, leading to economic uncertainty.
“I won’t sugarcoat it—our nation could be facing difficult times in the coming days and weeks,” Trudeau warned.
Despite the potential challenges, he assured Canadians that the government is prepared to protect their interests.
“I know Canadians might be anxious and worried, but I want them to know the federal government, and indeed, all orders of government, have their backs,” he said.
As the tariff deadline looms, Canada is weighing its options for countermeasures while urging diplomatic efforts to avoid a trade conflict. Experts warn that retaliatory tariffs could escalate tensions, impacting businesses and consumers on both sides of the border.
