Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly says Canada’s firm response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats has not only caught the attention of his administration but also boosted public support for the Liberal government at home.
Speaking at an international security conference in Munich, Germany, on Saturday, Joly told European leaders they should take note of Canada’s handling of Trump’s aggressive trade policies.
“We are the canary in the coal mine,” Joly warned. “If the U.S. administration is doing this to Canada, you’re next.”
The minister pointed to a turning point when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada would retaliate against Trump’s proposed across-the-board tariffs with 25 per cent duties on $155 billion worth of U.S. goods. Canada also pledged to swiftly respond to any steel and aluminum import taxes.
According to Joly, the U.S. administration took notice when stock markets reacted negatively, and American consumers began expressing concerns over rising gasoline prices.
“Ultimately, none of us will change the perceptions of President Trump,” Joly said. “The only people in the world that will make sure that tariffs are not imposed are the American people themselves. When they understand this is affecting the price of gas at the pump and groceries, they’ll say, ‘Enough!’”
Joly described the potential U.S. tariffs as an “existential threat” to Canada, warning that they could result in hundreds of thousands of job losses. She called for Canada and the European Union to align their efforts in resisting Trump’s trade measures.
Trump has already signaled plans to impose tariffs on the EU, arguing that European countries continue to exploit an unbalanced trade relationship with the United States.
Joly also suggested that the Trudeau government’s strong stance has resonated with Canadians, noting a significant jump in public opinion polls that has narrowed the gap with the opposition Conservatives.
“I think our people in Canada reacted so strongly to the fact that we were so strong,” she said. “Within a week, we’re nearly at par with the Opposition because Canadians are afraid, are anxious, and love the fact that we’re standing strong.”
During the panel discussion, U.S. Democratic Senator Andy Kim highlighted Trump’s messaging on tariffs, saying he has convinced many voters that they will be paid for by foreign nations rather than by Americans. However, Kim pointed out that 64 per cent of Americans believe tariffs will lead to higher domestic prices, and 60 per cent disapprove of imposing tariffs on European countries.
Kim urged European leaders to make it clear that these tariffs will not only hurt Europe but also U.S. consumers.
“The person who will ultimately make the decision about this is not ideological,” Kim said of Trump. “He’s thinking about a political stance. But it’s deeply unpopular amongst the American people, and it is perhaps an extraordinary vulnerability on his part.”