
Friday January 17, 2025 | VICTORIA, BC
Political summary by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
There will be a federal cabinet retreat on January 20 (and 21) in Outaouais, Quebec as part of being alert and ready for any tariffs that get imposed by the new US President after his inauguration on January 20.
There is a ‘Team Canada’ plan that would inflict equal economic damage on the United States.
What might have been sorted out with new negotiations of CUSMA (the Canada-USA-Mexico trade agreement) is fast approaching what could be a full-on economic trade war between Canada and the United States.

Canada is responding to the threat of tariffs that US President-elect Donald Trump said would be set at 25% on, possibly across the board.
“If push comes to shove we will be strong and unequivocal in our defence of Canada and Canadians,” said Trudeau this week.
Canada may well impose tariffs in return at equal value. “Everything is on the table,” said Trudeau this week. Many economists and observers feel the trade war could cause a recession that would affect everyone in Canada.
Trudeau met with his Canada-US Council today in Mississauga. This is a group of non-elected, non-government leaders in business, labour, and politics; Trudeau seeks to rely on their ideas and their connections.

Three-part federal response:
Reportedly, Canada is preparing a three-phase response with an escalating approach as required:
- Phase 1 – Immediate tariffs on specific items (mostly consumer goods)
- Phase 2 – Tariffs on $37 billion of imports (advising Canadians to not buy those goods)
- Phase 3 – Tariffs on $110 billion of imports (manufacturing areas)
Next prime minister will carry on the tariff torch:
Tariffs are the leading issue in the Liberal Party of Canada leadership race, which by March 9 will see a new party leader replace Justin Trudeau as prime minister.
So far the leading candidates for Liberal leader include Mark Carney, Chrystia Freeland and Karina Gould.
===== RELATED:
- Trudeau holds first meeting of Canada’s Council on Canada-US relations (January 17, 2025)
- Trudeau announces Canada’s Council on Canada-US relations (January 16, 2025)
- Eby delivers tough tariff talk as ministers get mandate letters (January 16, 2025)
- Premiers & PM discuss Canada’s strategy around US tariffs (January 15, 2025)
- BC Premier Eby on Canada’s strategy around US tariffs (January 15, 2025)
- Ontario premier proposes AmCan strategy for critical minerals in new geopolitical reality (January 13, 2025)
- NEWS SECTIONS: CANADIAN FEDERAL ELECTION 2025 | CANADA-USA | POLITICS