Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday that his government is preparing to take every necessary step to shield Canadian workers, farmers and businesses as a trade confrontation with the United States develops.
Speaking to a meeting of provincial premiers, Carney said Ottawa is increasing the intensity of trade negotiations with the United States and stands ready to defend national interests if such action becomes necessary. He described the tariff proposal as unwarranted and reiterated the government's commitment to support Canadian workers, families, farmers and businesses.
The heightened rhetoric follows a warning from President Trump on Monday that he would impose new 50% tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian products. Carney characterized the proposed measures as unjustified and signaled that Canada will take the steps it deems required to protect its economic stakeholders.
Provincial governments, however, are not united on how best to respond. The 10 provinces remain divided on the choice of countermeasures. In particular, the premiers of Alberta and Saskatchewan have publicly rejected the possibility of using export restrictions or the imposition of duties as tools to pressure Washington. Those two provinces were singled out in discussions because they export crude oil and potash to the United States, making them directly exposed to cross-border trade measures.
Carney's comments, delivered in a forum of provincial leaders, emphasized both diplomatic engagement and readiness to defend Canadian interests should negotiations fail to resolve the dispute. He stressed the government's intention to support the livelihoods of workers and the operations of businesses and farms affected by the threat of tariffs.
The situation remains fluid, with federal policymakers intensifying negotiations while provincial opinions on response strategies diverge. How Ottawa and the provinces reconcile those differences will shape Canadas approach as the potential for tariffs looms.
Context noted in this report: President Trump announced a Monday warning of proposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian goods; Prime Minister Carney told premiers Canada will defend workers, farmers and businesses; Alberta and Saskatchewan have rejected export restrictions or duties as a pressure tactic and export crude oil and potash to the United States.