Canada’s premiers are united in their response against U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and largely support Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s retaliatory response.
Trump hit Canada with 25 per cent across-the-board tariffs on all Canadian imports on Tuesday, with a 10 per cent tariff carve out for Canadian energy.
Trudeau retaliated by vowing a 25 per cent tariff against $155 billion of American goods – starting with tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods immediately and the remaining $125 billion on American goods in 21 days time.
Trump has pledged to match any retaliatory tariffs “by a like amount.”
Canada’s premiers displayed a united front against the tariffs, announcing many measures with others vowing to announce their province’s plan on Wednesday.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, vowed to rip up Ontario’s $100 million agreement with Starlink, and ban U.S. companies from government procurement deals. He also directed the Liquor Control Board of Ontario to pull all American booze off its shelves and is considering imposing export taxes on Ontario energy.
The LCBO sells nearly $1 billion worth of U.S. products.
He re-pledged to cut off Ontario-produced electricity exports to America if Trump enforces further tariffs, which he said will shut the lights off for 1.5 million Americans in Michigan, Minnesota and New York.
During an interview with NBC News Now anchor Aaron Gilchrist, he also said Ontario would stop the critical mineral shipment, citing that 50% of mineral imports come from Ontario.
Much like other premiers, he continued to pledge to work towards securing the border against illegal immigration and drug smuggling to address much of Trump’s stated tariff justifications.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Trump’s tariffs were a breach of the USMCA trade agreement and called the tariffs “both foolish and a failure in every regard.”
She declared her total support for the federal response to the tariffs and pledged to announce Alberta’s response to the “illegal” tariffs Wednesday.
Quebec Premier François Legault, declared Tuesday as the start of a “commercial war” with the U.S. but said he was still optimistic that Trump will reverse the tariffs and come to a “winning” trade deal for both countries.
He pledged government support for businesses impacted by the tariffs.
“I also want to call on all businesses with investment projects, whether they are for diversification or for development, to come and see us at Investment Quebec,” he said. “We need to reshape Quebec’s economy.”
He urged the federal government not to “rule out anything” in its retaliation against the U.S. Like Ford and other premiers, he directed the provincial liquor board to stop selling American products. He said he wants all Quebecers to support local businesses now more than ever.
Additionally, Legault said along with counter-tariffs against the U.S., he would continue discussing the possibility of cutting off energy to the U.S. in tandem with Ford in extreme scenarios.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe continued to urge the federal government to do anything to avoid the tariffs and work with the U.S., stressing that 90% of America’s agricultural potash fertilizer comes from Saskatchewan.
He outlined how the tariffs will hurt American farmers and drive up the cost of groceries, calling it a “self-inflicted harm that Trump is imposing on his own citizens.”
Moe said Saskatchewan would continue to try to expand its trade with other countries and tear down interprovincial barriers to trade.
Moe said his cabinet would meet Wednesday to “consider all options,” and an update to the province’s response to the tariffs would be available to the public “in the days ahead.”
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said he too will rip American products from the provinces liquor marts and is set to announce more Tuesday afternoon. Manitoba will also offering tax deferrals for businesses affected by Trump’s tariffs to allow companies to “keep cash and protect…jobs.”
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston announced his province would “immediately limit access to provincial procurement for American businesses.”
“They can no longer bid on provincial business,” he said on X. “We are also actively seeking options to cancel existing contracts and reject outright bids until President Trump removes his unlawful tariffs.”
He said he would double the cost of tolls at the Cobequid Pass for commercial vehicles from the U.S., “effective immediately.”
He, too, said he’s directing the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation to remove U.S. booze from its shelves, support affected businesses, and tackle interprovincial trade barriers to improve Canada’s internal economy.
“We must be open for business in Canada. We hope all provinces and territories immediately endorse and pass corresponding legislation,” he said. “We are also working on a Trade Action Plan to help businesses engage in global trade, increase their global competitiveness and drive investment growth and have issued a call to action to develop our valuable natural resources.”
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey said he will be removing U.S. booze from the provincial store shelves and stop all procurement and explore new export markets.
P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz shared a comprehensive plan for the province’s response to the tariffs. To help break down interprovincial trade barriers, Lantz said he would continue to pressure the feds to remove tolls on Confederation Bridge and the Wood Island’s ferry, which allows islanders to access the rest of Canada.
The province will launch funds to help businesses as well, including a Tariff Working Capital program, which will offer capital relief and help companies maintain operations and preserve jobs. It will also continue to look for new export partners and corridors.
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt vowed also to tackle interprovincial trade barriers and support N.B. businesses. She said she would continue to work with export companies, and the chamber of commerce to “understand their challenges” and to “incorporate their feedback into the province’s plan.