Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will meet with Canada’s premiers in Ottawa on Wednesday to strategize against the looming threat of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, proposed by incoming U.S. president-elect Donald Trump. The meeting takes place just days before Trump’s second non-consecutive term begins on January 20, 2025.
Trump’s proposed tariff hinges on Canada increasing border security measures. In a recent MSNBC interview, Trudeau signaled Canada’s readiness to impose retaliatory tariffs if necessary, describing Trump’s demands as a “distraction.”
Opposition leaders and provincial premiers are divided over potential countermeasures. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has called for an immediate embargo on critical mineral exports to the U.S., arguing that it would pressure Trump to back down.
However, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith opposes such measures, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the U.S.-Canada energy relationship. “Oil and gas is owned by the provinces, principally Alberta, and we won’t stand for that,” Smith said during a virtual press conference.
Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has warned that Ontario would bear the brunt of Trump’s tariffs. Speaking in Toronto on Tuesday, Ford stated that the province may need to invest “tens of billions of dollars” to protect workers, but urged a united front to combat the economic threat.
While Ford has urged a strong retaliatory response, including potential export restrictions, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has joined Smith in opposing such moves, particularly against Canadian energy and agricultural exports.
Smith recently met with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, highlighting the mutual importance of the U.S.-Canada energy partnership. “An embargo is not the answer,” she cautioned.
This marks the second high-level meeting between Trudeau and the premiers since Trump announced the tariff threat in November 2024. Their first discussion, held virtually on December 11, provided an overview of Ottawa’s plans to strengthen border security.
The timing of this meeting is significant as Trudeau has announced his intention to step down, and the Liberal Party leadership race to determine his successor is underway. Premiers will need to navigate this challenge with a potential leadership change looming.
As Trudeau meets with provincial leaders, the stakes are high for Canada to craft a unified response that protects its economic interests while preparing for a turbulent bilateral relationship under the Trump administration.