Trump imposes 25% tariffs on Canada, federal government plans to retaliate against US imports
Sources confirmed to CTV News that if US President elect Donald Trump imposes tariffs immediately on his inauguration day, the Canadian government is preparing to retaliate with tariffs on the first round of US goods on Monday, including steel products, ceramics, glassware, Florida orange juice, and more.
Trudeau met with leaders from all provinces and territories in Canada on Wednesday to discuss Canada's response plan to expected trade actions.
During the hours long meeting, they basically unanimously agreed to retain all options, including imposing retaliatory tariffs on a range of US goods, cutting off major energy exports, and considering how to distribute the revenue from Canada's retaliatory measures to affected industries.
Previously, CTV News reported that Canadian officials were narrowing down the list of products targeting the United States, but later expressed readiness to respond immediately.
An internal document circulating lists goods that may be subject to retaliatory tariffs, including US steel products, ceramics such as toilets and sinks, glassware, and Florida orange juice.
A senior government source said on Wednesday that discussions on politically influential products such as Kentucky bourbon whiskey were warmly welcomed at meetings with provincial governors. The official, who declined to be named, stated that there is expected to be a negotiation period for the final list.
Image source: BLAIR GABLE/REUTERS
Despite Trump's threat to impose tariffs, federal officials have stated that unless more measures are taken to prevent illegal drugs and immigrants from crossing the Canada US border, they have not received any assurance that the $1.3 billion border security plan will be sufficient to avoid imposing huge tariffs.
Trudeau said on Thursday, "If the new US government does indeed take these unfair and unjust tariff measures, Canada will respond." The Canadian Minister of Trade and Minister of Foreign Affairs also expressed the same view in an interview with US media on the same day.
Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre did not indicate on Thursday whether he supports energy export tariffs, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith explicitly opposed energy export tariffs, while other governors called for a unified response from the "Canada team".
On Friday, Trudeau will meet with the newly established Canada US Relations Committee, which is composed of prominent Canadian figures responsible for utilizing their respective business, innovation, and policy expertise to provide advice to the Prime Minister and government at critical moments in Canada US relations.
Trudeau also plans to hold cabinet meetings next Monday and Tuesday, expected to focus on "defending Canadian interests and strengthening Canada US relations," and has promised to meet with provincial governors every week after Trump takes office.
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https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/canadian-government-ready-to-reveal-initial-retaliation-plan-monday-if-trump-makes-good-on-tariff-threat-sources/