Canada

Trudeau says Canada ‘ready’ for Trump tariffs as ministers make final push in D.C.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made it clear that Canada is prepared to respond swiftly and decisively if U.S. President Donald Trump follows through on his threat to impose tariffs on Canadian imports. Speaking at an event in Toronto, Trudeau emphasized that while such actions are not what Canada desires, the country is ready to take action if necessary.

As three federal cabinet ministers – Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly, Public Safety Minister David McGuinty, and Immigration Minister Marc Miller – are currently in Washington, they are making a final diplomatic effort to dissuade Trump from implementing the proposed 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods as early as Saturday. Their goal is to convince Republican lawmakers and members of Trump’s administration to reconsider the damaging effects that these tariffs could have on both countries.

Trump initially justified his tariff threat by citing concerns over Canada and Mexico’s perceived failure to address issues related to border security. In response, Trudeau sought to reassure Canadians, acknowledging the potential challenges that lie ahead. He emphasized that the Canadian government is prepared for any scenario and urged citizens to remain vigilant during uncertain times.

Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc recently presented Canada’s border security measures to Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary in a video message. Trudeau highlighted that Canada has already taken steps to address Trump’s concerns by implementing a $1.3 billion border security plan. This plan includes the deployment of patrol helicopters, canine teams, and imaging tools to combat the flow of illicit substances like fentanyl across the border.

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Despite Trump’s claims, Trudeau pointed out that less than one percent of fentanyl and illegal border crossings into the United States originate from Canada. He underscored the importance of maintaining strong border security measures while emphasizing Canada’s commitment to addressing shared concerns with the U.S.

As the situation unfolds, Trudeau remains steadfast in his commitment to protecting Canadian interests and ensuring a strong response to any potential tariffs imposed by the U.S. His leadership underscores the importance of diplomacy and cooperation in resolving trade disputes between the two neighboring countries.

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