Home Business & Economy Tariffs & Trade Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addresses Canadians about US tariffs

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addresses Canadians about US tariffs

$30 billion in Canadian tariffs starting Feb 4 & another $125 billion starting Feb 25 | Trudeau asks Canadians to 'buy Canadian'

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed media and Canadians about the upcoming US tariffs, on February 1, 2025 from Ottawa. [livestream]
CANADA-USA NEWS & ANALYSIS

Saturday February 1, 2025 | VICTORIA, BC on the west coast of CANADA [Posted at 6:54 PT]

Political news analysis by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends


Today US President Donald Trump has signed the orders for a 25% tariff to applied to all imports from Canada and Mexico into the United States of America (USA). The tariffs will begin on February 4, 2025.

There will 25% tariffs applied to all imports from Canada and Mexico which can be be increased as needed. There is a carve-out for energy (oil and electricity) from Canada at 10%. There is also an additional 10% tariff imposed upon China.

Canada’s Premiers met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau from 1 pm to about 3:30 pm (Pacific) today. There was unanimity among Premiers around the table with the prime minister today, that retaliation is the appropriate response. BC Premier David Eby addressed media at 4:30 pm PT.

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Trudeau’s remarks on February 1:

At 6 pm PT Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivered remarks from the West Block at Parliament Hill, on TV/livestream regarding the situation of 25% US tariffs that will come into effect on February 4, 2025.

Trudeau was accompanied by three key ministers: Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly; Finance Minister and Minister of intergovernmental Affairs, Dominic LeBlanc; and Public Safety Minister David McGuinty.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed Canadians about US tariffs on Feb 1, 2025, accompanied by (from left): Public Safety Minister David McGuinty; Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly; and Finance Minister & Intergovernmental Minister Dominic LeBlanc. [livestream]

He opened his remarks by addressing Americans about the impact on their economy as a result of these tariffs.

“If Trump wants to usher in a new ‘golden age’ for the United States the best approach is to partner, not punish us,” said Trudeau to Americans.

He pointed out that Canada has natural resources that supply the world for its modern needs. In other words, be nice to Canada if you want access to those resources.

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He acknowledged the fentanyl problem.

The actions taken by the White House “have split us apart instead of bringing up together”.

There will be 25% Canadian tariffs on $155 billion of American goods. Starting Tuesday February 4, $30 billion will be applied to match the US tariffs, then $125 billion in 21 days from now (to allow Canadian companies and supply chains to seek to find alternatives).

There are some products that Canadians should presently avoid buying from US sources, as outlined by Trudeau, including:

  • beer, wine and bourbon, fruits and fruit juices, vegetables;
  • perfume, clothing and shoes;
  • household appliances;
  • furniture;
  • sports equipment;
  • lumber;
  • plastics.

Several non-tariff measures will be taken, including some relating to critical minerals, procurement, and other partnerships.

Trudeau spoke directly to Canadians in this moment saying government, businesses, civil society, and Canada’s premiers. “This is team Canada at its best,” said Trudeau.

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The prime minister has asked Canadians to remain united. any of us will be deeply affected. a lot of people will go through dark times. Supportive one another, be there for friends, neighbours and fellow Canadians.

Now is also the time to choose Canada, with many ways for Canadians to do their part:

  • check labels at the supermarket,
  • opt for Canadian rye over Kentucky bourbon,
  • forego Florida orange juice altogether,
  • change US summer travel plans to explore Canadian destinations.

“Canada is the best country on Earth,” said Trudeau, calling Canadians a family of 41 million.

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Addressing media:

Media questions followed, for 20 minutes. In these responses he said he feels Canadians may be “a little perplexed” at the US approach to Canada.

He says the Canada-US partnership is resilient and that Canadians will get through this.

prime minister, justin trudeau, february 1
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed media and Canadians about the upcoming US tariffs, on February 1, 2025 from Ottawa. [livestream]

He will not be recalling parliament. “We have the tools to be able to support Canadians through this challenging time as it stands,” said Trudeau. Trudeau described the Canada-US relationship as “the most successful political, military, economic and social partnership that the world has ever seen”.

He “has faith in Canadians and we will always make it through”. He says Canada and the US “will continue to be friends and neighbours”.

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No one part of the country will carry the burden of this phase more than any other, the prime minister reiterated.

The Canada-US border “is one of the strongest and most secure” in the world.

He hopes to work with the US on a range of important issues soon, once the tariff crisis is dealt with.

Stay informed:

Island Social Trends will follow the Canada-US tariff scenario every step of the way … this could be months or years.

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Political & economic news analysis at IslandSocialTrends.ca .

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