For the first time in history, all 13 Canadian premiers have traveled to Washington, D.C., to push back against U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest round of tariffs, warning of their devastating impact on Canadian industries.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who currently chairs the Council of the Federation, stated that while the premiers won’t be meeting with Trump directly, they are engaging with business groups, lobbyists, and Republican lawmakers to advocate against the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada. These levies, signed into effect by executive order on Monday, are set to take effect on March 12.
Trump’s tariff order follows a temporary pause on his broader plan to impose a 25% duty on all Canadian imports, with a 10% levy on Canadian energy products. The pause, which lasts for one month, was seen as a small victory for Canada’s ongoing trade negotiations.
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt highlighted the delay as a sign that Canada’s engagement with Republican leaders is making an impact.
“The fact that these tariffs were temporarily put on hold shows that our efforts to convince decision-makers in Washington are working,” Holt stated. “But we need to keep the pressure on to protect Canadian jobs and industries.”
Canadian premiers are emphasizing the mutual economic benefits of free trade, pointing out that U.S. industries depend on Canadian exports and raw materials. By engaging key stakeholders in Washington, they hope to build bipartisan support against Trump’s protectionist measures and secure a more stable trade relationship moving forward.
As the March 12 deadline approaches, Canadian officials will continue their diplomatic and economic advocacy efforts to prevent long-term damage to industries that rely on cross-border trade.
While the premiers are not scheduled to meet Trump directly, their presence in Washington sends a clear message: Canada is prepared to fight back against unjust trade policies that threaten jobs and economic growth on both sides of the border.