With only days remaining before the expiration of a 30-day tariff reprieve granted by U.S. President Donald Trump, Immigration Minister Marc Miller says there’s still no clarity on whether Canada will escape the looming levies.
Trump has promised a series of tariffs slated to take effect soon, including a hefty 25 per cent duty on all Canadian goods and a 10 per cent tax on Canadian energy exports. Initially set for February 1, these measures were delayed until March 4 after last-minute talks between Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, contingent on Canada addressing border security and other commitments.
Canadian officials have been working tirelessly to avert the tariffs, with a team traveling to Washington this week to make their case. Yet Trump remains steadfast, tying the tariffs to his concerns over the fentanyl crisis and insisting the March 4 deadline is firm.
“The devastation caused by fentanyl cannot continue to plague the USA,” Trump posted on social media Thursday. “Unless it’s stopped or significantly curbed, the TARIFFS set for MARCH FOURTH will proceed as planned.”
Miller, who joined the Washington delegation alongside the RCMP commissioner, Canada’s new fentanyl czar, and other officials, told Kapelos he believes the U.S. is hearing Canada’s stance “loud and clear.”
“The difficulty is we have no assurances about what will happen come Monday or Tuesday,” he said. “The goal of these discussions wasn’t necessarily to lock in a firm commitment, but to share information and reinforce our joint efforts to secure the border.”
Miller emphasized his determination to advocate for Canada, describing the talks as “constructive” and “positive.” “I can’t assume anything,” he said. “My responsibility is to give it everything I’ve got and stand up for our country.”
When pressed on how productive these meetings could be given Trump’s ongoing threats to Canadian interests, Miller argued that Canada continues to push the benefits of free trade as a “mutual advantage” for both nations, backing it up with evidence for Trump’s team.
Should the tariffs—widely seen as potentially crippling—go into effect, Miller assured Kapelos that Canada is prepared to retaliate and “dig in” for a prolonged struggle if needed. “We’re ready to respond and fight back,” he said, hinting at a possible four-year standoff.
“I won’t mislead Canadians,” Miller added when asked if he thinks Trump’s tariff threats genuinely hinge on border security. “I don’t have the luxury of assuming they don’t. We have to engage with those who influence Trump directly.” He pointed to the recent White House visit as part of that effort.