Canada’s outgoing Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has raised concerns about the potential impact of steep tariffs proposed by US President-elect Donald Trump. In a recent statement, Trudeau urged Americans to consider the detrimental effects that a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian imports could have on both consumers and workers across the United States.

Trump’s proposal to impose these tariffs, particularly on steel and aluminium imports from Canada, has sparked significant controversy. The President-elect has also suggested that merging Canada with the US as its “51st State” could eliminate the need for such tariffs. However, Trudeau swiftly rejected this notion, emphasising that the idea of merging is not a viable solution.

Trudeau, during an appearance on "Inside with Jen Psaki", dismissed Trump’s idea of merging Canada with the US, calling it a "non-starter", and emphasised that Canadians are deeply proud of their national identity. He urged focus on the real issue—potential 25 per cent tariffs on steel, aluminium, and energy imports—which could have significant economic impacts on both nations. Trudeau made these comments while in the US attending the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter.

“The 51st state, that’s not going to happen. But people are talking about that instead of focusing on what a 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminium coming into the US would mean,” said Trudeau. 

Meanwhile, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly emphasised the need for Canadians to be prepared for economic threats. She stated that all leaders must prioritise Canada and present a united front. Joly also mentioned that while the specifics of the retaliation plan remain undisclosed, "we are working on the retaliation plan."

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Trudeau’s Responds To Trump’s ‘Governor’ Nickname

Trudeau responded to Donald Trump's ‘Governor’ nickname, stating, "I have been in politics an awfully long time. I tend to focus on substantive matters, not on people choosing nicknames for me. If I was that thin-skinned, I probably wouldn't last that long in politics."

The potential impact of these tariffs has raised alarm among Canadian and American business leaders alike, who warn that they could disrupt trade relations between the two neighbouring countries. Canada and the US share the largest trading relationship in the world, and any significant barriers could affect industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and technology.

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