Conservatives call for House hearings on Trump’s tariff threat

The call for Parliament to hold hearings in January on Canada-U.S. trade ahead of president-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House has sparked a sense of urgency among businesses and experts who are seeking a coherent response to the looming threat of tariffs. The Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, are leading the charge in pushing for these hearings, citing the need to address Trump’s recent threats of imposing 25 per cent tariffs on all goods from Canada.

Poilievre emphasized the importance of preparing for negotiations with a president-elect known for his strong negotiating tactics. The Conservatives have expressed doubts about the Liberals’ ability to handle the situation effectively, especially in light of former finance minister Chrystia Freeland’s resignation. Freeland, who played a key role in negotiating the new North American free trade deal with the U.S. and Mexico, was expected to lead Canada’s response to Trump’s tariff threats.

The Tories are urging the House trade committee to conduct hearings starting the week of Jan. 6 to gather insights from ministers, senior officials, and Canada’s ambassador in Washington. The goal is to develop a strategic approach to dealing with Trump’s demands and safeguarding Canada’s economic interests.

Despite the government’s efforts to address Trump’s concerns by earmarking $1.3 billion for border security, Poilievre criticized their response as inadequate. He emphasized the need for a more comprehensive strategy that focuses on practical measures like increasing border security personnel and equipment.

Provincial leaders have also weighed in on the issue, with conflicting proposals on how to respond to Trump’s threats. Ontario Premier Doug Ford suggested cutting off electricity exports to border states, while Alberta Premier Danielle Smith ruled out a similar move for oil and gas exports. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe even proposed a federal election based on Canada’s approach to dealing with Trump.

However, amidst the varying opinions from provincial leaders, Ford emphasized the importance of presenting a united front with the federal government to address the tariff threat. He highlighted the need for stability and coherence in Canada’s response to Trump’s demands, emphasizing the importance of meeting Canada’s NATO commitment to national defense spending.

As the political landscape continues to shift, experts like Roland Paris stress the importance of coordination and unity in Canada’s approach to dealing with the U.S. Paris warned against divisive tactics that could be exploited by Washington and urged leaders to work together to present a unified front.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has also taken proactive steps by convening an emergency meeting to assess the potential impact of U.S. tariffs. Over 100 sectoral groups have been invited to participate in the discussions, highlighting the widespread concern and urgency surrounding the issue.

In conclusion, the upcoming hearings in Parliament and ongoing discussions among political and business leaders underscore the need for a strategic and unified response to Trump’s tariff threats. As Canada braces for potential economic challenges, collaboration and coherence will be key in safeguarding the country’s interests and navigating the complexities of international trade negotiations.