The Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau was visibly emotional during a press conference in Ottawa, as the
country grapples with the impact of US President Donald Trump’s tariff war. The US imposed a 25% tariff on goods
imported from Mexico and Canada, sparking a trade war between the two nations.
Trump’s actions have been seen as a bullying tactic, with the president referring to Trudeau as “Governor Trudeau”
and threatening to annex Canada as the 51st state. Trudeau has described the decision as “dumb” and warned that
Canada will not back down.
The trade war has significant implications for Canada’s economy, with the country relying heavily on the US for trade.
Trudeau has vowed to stand up for Canadian interests and fight against the tariffs.
Former Canadian chief trade negotiator Steve Verheul has criticized Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s refusal to sign a
joint statement with other provincial and territorial premiers, calling it a “mistake” that undermines Canada’s
bargaining position.
Verheul emphasized the need for Canada to retaliate against the US tariffs, stating that “if we don’t retaliate, we’ll just
keep paying and paying concessions, and we’ll never know where the end point is.”
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The trade tensions between Canada and the US have been escalating since Trump’s reelection in November. Trump
has hinted at the possibility of exempting Canada from the tariffs, but has not backed down from his aggressive
rhetoric.
Trudeau’s emotional response to the situation has sparked widespread support from Canadians, with many taking to
social media to express their solidarity with the prime minister.
The situation has also sparked a leadership crisis in Canada, with Trudeau facing pressure to resign. The next
Canadian election is set to take place on October 20, 2025, and Trudeau’s Liberal Party is facing a tough challenge
from opposition parties.
