Canadian Premiers Strategize Unified Response to Trump’s Tariff Threat

Provincial leaders meet in Toronto to discuss border security, defence spending, and economic measures as U.S. president-elect signals 25% tariff on Canadian goods.

Donald Trump, set to assume the U.S. presidency, has proposed a 25% tariff on Canadian goods unless Canada addresses border security and drug smuggling concerns.
Canada’s premiers are divided on how to respond, with Ontario’s Doug Ford advocating for retaliatory measures, including cutting off energy exports to the U.S., while Alberta’s Danielle Smith favors diplomacy and opposes such actions.
The federal government is preparing a border security package potentially exceeding $1 billion, aiming to address Trump’s demands and avert the tariffs.
Premiers collectively support increased defence spending to meet NATO’s 2% GDP target by 2032, a key U.S. concern tied to the tariff threat.
Discussions also include exploring a bilateral trade deal with the U.S. and potential export taxes on commodities like oil and uranium as leverage in negotiations.