Canadian Premiers Unite to Counter Trump’s Tariff Threats

Premiers pledge a collaborative approach with Ottawa to oppose U.S. tariffs, while calls grow to address interprovincial trade barriers.

Incoming U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed a 25% tariff on all Canadian exports, prompting strong opposition from Canada’s premiers and federal government.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has suggested retaliatory measures, including cutting electricity exports to the U.S., though this has drawn criticism from Alberta and others as too risky.
Premiers are advocating for a unified ‘Team Canada’ strategy to protect Canadian jobs and industries, emphasizing the deeply integrated trade relationship with the U.S.
Ford has also urged a collaborative North American approach to counter economic challenges posed by China, accusing Mexico of facilitating Chinese imports that bypass trade rules.
Critics highlight the premiers’ inaction on reducing interprovincial trade barriers, which could significantly boost Canada’s economy, as a missed opportunity for national economic resilience.