Canada weighs options as Trump tariff threat looms

Canada is weighing its response to the threat of steep U.S. tariffs, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stating that "everything is on the table." Following a meeting with provincial premiers, Trudeau indicated that a "full range" of options are being considered to counter the potential 50 percent tariff threat, though he declined to specify retaliatory measures.

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We don’t need to respond in advance. In fact, I think it would be counterproductive at this stage to respond in advance. But it’s important to know what your options are.

"We don’t need to respond in advance," Trudeau told reporters. "In fact, I think it would be counterproductive at this stage to respond in advance. But it’s important to know what your options are."

Provincial leaders are pushing for various strategies. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has renewed his calls for "dollar for dollar" tariffs and suggested restricting energy and potash exports to the U.S., products currently exempt from American executive orders. British Columbia Premier David Eby stated that any potential deal with the U.S. should be contingent on the U.S. dropping its tariffs and ceasing its attacks on Canada.

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We are united in direction and objective and purpose and seriousness about the response. We are going to support Canadian families, workers, businesses, full stop.

"At the end of the day, the United States needs to decide what they want to do: do they want a strong partner in Canada where we work together, or are they keen to go it alone?" Eby said. "There’s not this middle road where you attack British Columbians on one hand, and the other hand you’re digging up our metals and minerals and bringing them south of the border."

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If the prime minister calls British Columbia and says he needs support with some big sticks to have conversations at the table, then we’ll be there.

Experts suggest Canada has limited leverage, but the government and premiers are united in their seriousness about a response aimed at supporting Canadian families, workers, and businesses.

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At the end of the day, the United States needs to decide what they want to do: do they want a strong partner in Canada where we work together, or are they keen to go it alone? There’s not this middle road where you attack British Columbians on one hand, and the other hand you’re digging up our metals and minerals and bringing them south of the border.