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Ontario and Alberta Premiers Discuss U.S. Tariff Threats

Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed confidence that Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is beginning to grasp the necessity of a unified response among Canada’s political leaders against the potential tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump. Following a virtual meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and fellow premiers, Ford noted that the situation is complex, but there is ongoing momentum in these discussions.

The virtual meeting came in the wake of Trump’s recent executive orders, which tasked his administration with investigating purported unfair trade practices involving Canada and Mexico, with a report expected by April 1. Trump has suggested that significant tariffs—potentially as high as 25%—could be implemented as early as February 1, holding Canada accountable for issues related to illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

In response to these claims, Canadian officials, including Trudeau, have countered by emphasizing that a minuscule percentage of fentanyl and migrants entering the U.S. originates from Canada, challenging the foundation of Trump’s assertions.

After the meeting, Ford highlighted the need for a cohesive strategy among the provinces to counteract the tariffs, stating, “We know these tariffs are coming Feb. 1. We need to match those tariffs dollar-for-dollar, tariff-for-tariff, and make sure that it hurts the Americans as much as it hurts Canadians.”

Meanwhile, the federal Liberal government’s cabinet has been actively formulating a detailed plan in anticipation of the tariffs during their recent retreat, focusing on how best to address the potential economic repercussions.

Understanding Political Dynamics

Historically, Trump has voiced his intent to impose tariffs as a way to tackle trade imbalances, a stance he reiterated after winning the presidential election. Trudeau mentioned that the shifting timelines and rhetoric are typical of Trump’s approach, noting that his administration has developed strategies for various potential outcomes and is prepared to act with retaliatory measures if necessary.

At a prior in-person meeting held in Ottawa, 12 of the 13 provincial leaders issued a statement advocating for solidarity in the face of these tariff threats. Notably, Premier Smith was the sole dissenting voice, expressing reservations about the “Team Canada” strategy unless the federal government would exempt energy exports from potential retaliatory tariffs.

In the days proceeding the meeting, Smith’s position appeared to further diverge from her counterparts as she sought direct engagement with U.S. lawmakers and emphasized cooperation over retaliation, raising questions about her alignment with the broader provincial strategy.

Ford acknowledged this tension but maintained that Smith recognizes the importance of collective action, stating that “country comes first, over anything, and you can’t throw a tool away from the tool box.” He expressed optimism about gradually bringing Smith in line with the unified stance of her fellow premiers.

Amidst these discussions, Smith expressed concerns on social media about the potential repercussions of imposing or taxing oil exports to the U.S., labeling such actions a “disaster for Canada.” She called for enhanced border security and increased defense spending as part of a comprehensive approach to address these challenges.

In light of Trump’s tariff threat, the federal government has previously announced a $1.3 billion initiative aimed at fortifying border security, complemented by an increased surveillance presence from the RCMP. Trump argues that the tariffs also aim to pressure Canada over its trade surplus with the U.S.

Looking Ahead

Smith has suggested a need to recalibrate the narrative and focus on negotiating outcomes that would be mutually beneficial for both Canadians and Americans. Observers, including Arlene Dickinson from the Prime Minister’s advisory council on Canada-U.S. relations, have articulated hopes that Smith will ultimately align with the collective approach of her peers, stressing the importance of presenting a united front.

As the premiers commit to regular meetings in the wake of these developments, the discourse surrounding tariffs is expected to remain a focal point in the immediate future.

Source
globalnews.ca