Ottawa (National Times): Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has issued a stern warning regarding the potential imposition of tariffs by the United States, asserting that Canada will respond immediately and forcefully if such measures are enacted.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trudeau emphasized that his government is doing everything possible to prevent the tariffs from taking effect but will not hesitate to retaliate if necessary.
“We will continue working to prevent these tariffs, but if on Tuesday the US imposes unjustified tariffs on Canada, we will have an immediate and extremely strong response, as Canadians expect,” Trudeau stated, as reported by CBC News.
Tensions Rise Over Trade and Border Security
The looming trade dispute comes as US President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused both Canada and Mexico of failing to curb the flow of illicit drugs into the United States. As a result, Trump plans to impose tariffs on both countries starting March 4, with reciprocal tariffs set to follow on April 2.
Trudeau underlined that his government, along with premiers, business leaders, and community representatives, is fully engaged in preventing these tariffs from being implemented.
“The tariffs the president is proposing are linked to the fentanyl crisis in the US, which we also face in Canada,” Trudeau explained.
Canada Defends Its Border Security Efforts
Addressing US concerns over fentanyl trafficking, Trudeau pushed back against claims that Canada is a significant source of the problem.
“For months, I’ve been making it clear that less than one per cent of the fentanyl entering the United States comes from Canada. However, we recognize that even this amount should be reduced,” he said.
Trudeau highlighted Canada’s investments in border security, amounting to USD 1.3 billion, which includes Blackhawk helicopters, drones, and 10,000 personnel patrolling the borders to prevent drug smuggling.
“Canada is not the source of the problem for the United States,” he emphasized.
Trump Justifies Tariffs Amid Drug Crisis
The potential tariffs come despite Trump’s temporary 30-day pause on import duties, which he announced on February 4 after securing commitments from Canada and Mexico to strengthen border security.
However, in a post on Truth Social, Trump maintained that drug smuggling remains at “unacceptable levels”, blaming China as a major supplier.
“More than 100,000 people died last year due to the distribution of these dangerous and highly addictive poisons,” Trump wrote.
The US President vowed to “stop or seriously limit” fentanyl trafficking, warning that unless the crisis is contained, the March 4 tariffs will be enforced as planned. Additionally, China will face an extra 10% tariff starting the same day.
As the March 4 deadline approaches, trade tensions between Canada and the US remain high, with both sides bracing for potential economic fallout.
