Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada, stated on Wednesday that while it tries to avoid a business conflict with the US, it is prepared to act decisively if needed.
Following US President-elect Donald Trump’s warning of a 25 % tariff on all Canadian imports, the Prime Minister met with provincial and territorial leaders in Ottawa on Wednesday to discuss the looming threat of US tariffs.
Trudeau stated that “nothing is off the desk” regarding retaliatory measures, but he also made it clear that the costs of these actions may be distributed across Canada to prevent badly focusing on one region.
The possible hostile methods discussed include imposing tariffs on American goods, such as metal products, glass, and yet Florida orange liquid, reported AFP.
Municipal officials, including Alberta’s Premier Danielle Smith, raised fears over cutting off oil and energy exports to the US, a proposal that was met with resistance. Alberta do not support such a move, according to Smith, whose state is a big oil supplier to the US, citing the need to safeguard the energy field.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, on the other hand, argued for a consolidated answer, saying,” When Donald Trump comes at us… he’s coming full tilt at Indians as a whole”. He emphasized the value of a swift and harsh retaliation in order to convey a message to the US.
In response to concerns about human trafficking and the illegal trade of drugs, the Canadian government has pledged nearly$ 1.5 billion for new border security measures.
The US-Canada business relationship is critical. 36 US states trade to Canada as their top export market. Nearly$ 3.6 billion in goods and services cross the border daily, according to AFP report.
Trump, who is scheduled to be inaugurated on Monday, has stated that he will use financial strain to encourage Canada to become the 51st state in the US. Additionally, he continues to use the US trade deficit as a form of payment.
