Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday that Canada would respond “immediately and forcefully” if the United States follows through on its threat to impose tariffs. Speaking to an advisory council on Canada-US relations, Trudeau acknowledged that the country could face economic hardships if the tariffs take effect.
US President Donald Trump has set a Saturday deadline to impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, citing illegal immigration and smuggling of fentanyl. Trudeau has said that even though Canada doesn’t want any trade tensions, it is prepared to retaliate.
“We are prepared to respond a strong, effective but proportionate and swift response,” said Trudeau, in a broadcasted speech. “It is not what we would like; however, he moves forward, so will we.”
The fact that 75 percent of all of Canada’s exports go into the US means severe effects on Canada’s economy because of the possible tariffs. And the prime minister does not look lightly at what lies ahead of them.
“I won’t sugarcoat it, our nation could be facing difficult times in the coming days and weeks,” he said. “But I want Canadians to know that the federal government, and all levels of government, have their backs.”
As tensions rise, Canada is exploring all possible avenues to counter the economic blowback from the US trade measures.
