Measures include labour market support program, automatic recognition of certifications from other provinces
In response to the Trump administration’s 25% tariff on Canadian goods and 10% tariff on Canadian energy exports, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced swift retaliatory measures.
The Canadian government is imposing 25% tariffs against $155 billion of American goods – starting with tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods immediately, and tariffs on the remaining $125 billion on American products in 21 days’ time, said the Canadian leader.
“Our tariffs will remain in place until the U.S. trade action is withdrawn, and should U.S. tariffs not cease, we are in active and ongoing discussions with provinces and territories to pursue several non-tariff measures,” said Trudeau. “While we urge the U.S. administration to reconsider their tariffs, Canada remains firm in standing up for our economy, our jobs, our workers, and for a fair deal.”
Trudeau acknowledged the economic challenges these tariffs will create for Canadians but insisted the measures are necessary.
“Because of the tariffs imposed by the U.S., Americans will pay more for groceries, gas, and cars, and potentially lose thousands of jobs. Tariffs will disrupt an incredibly successful trading relationship. They will violate the very trade agreement that was negotiated by President Trump in his last term.”
He also dismissed any excuse for the U.S. tariffs, stating: “Let me be unequivocally clear – there is no justification for these actions.”
With Trump pushing through with the implementation of the tariffs on Canada, the Canadian unemployment rate could surge, according to James Orlando, director of economics at TD Bank.
Canadian provinces have also vowed to take retaliatory actions.
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt unveiled a comprehensive support package and action plan to mitigate the effects of the U.S. tariffs on the province’s economy.
"These tariffs will have devastating consequences for New Brunswick’s workers, businesses, communities, and economy, and it is critical that we are there to support New Brunswickers through this challenge," Holt stated. "Now is the time for us to collaborate like never before with our Canadian counterparts – and to protect our beloved New Brunswick and Canada."
The four-pillar response plan includes:
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston announced a series of immediate countermeasures, including:
"We are also actively seeking options to cancel existing contracts and reject bids outright until President Trump removes his unlawful tariffs," Houston stated.
He further pledged provincial support for businesses and workers impacted by the tariffs.
Previously, Nova Scotia introduced the Free Trade and Mobility within Canada Act which, the provincial government says, will help remove barriers to trade and investment between the province and other Canadian provinces and territories that reciprocate.
B.C. says it remains focused on growing a strong economy with diverse trade partners to create good jobs and wealth across the province.
That includes:
The province also has several groups working on responses to the US tariffs:
Unifor has called for all levels of government and industry to step up and coordinate a response to the continued tariff threats on targeted Canadian industries including auto, steel and aluminum, wood products, copper and others.
"These tariffs will hurt working people with higher prices for everyday goods, destroy jobs on both sides of the border and have devastating consequences for highly integrated manufacturing sectors, including auto, across Canada and the U.S.," said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
"Today our trade relationship forever changed with the U.S. and now we must invest in ourselves, redefine international trade relationships, and build a new, more resilient economy."
