Trudeau outlines retaliatory measures

OTTAWA — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and regional leaders said on Wednesday all options were on the table to respond to possible US tariffs while still holding out hope of avoiding a trade war.

After meeting with provincial and territorial leaders in Ottawa, Trudeau highlighted that more than $1 billion had been earmarked for new border security measures to clamp down on the illicit drug trade and human trafficking, in hopes of placating Trump, who has vowed to slap 25 percent tariffs on Canadian imports.

A source familiar with the matter said on Wednesday the worth of Canada's countermeasures could be up to $105 billion. The Toronto Star was the first to report the proposed countermeasures.

"If the US administration chooses to still implement tariffs, we will respond purposefully, forcefully and resolutely," he said. "Everything is on the table as potential responses."

A government source told AFP that Ottawa could impose retaliatory tariffs on hundreds of US-made goods, including steel products, ceramics, and Florida orange juice.

Provincial and opposition leaders also called for blocking exports of Canadian oil, electricity and critical minerals in what could devolve into a trade war.

However, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith pushed back against any disruption of the more than 3 million barrels of oil shipped daily from her province to the United States — showing cracks in Canada's unified response.

Doug Ford, the premier of Ontario, the nation's most populous province and its economic engine, bristled at her remarks, telling reporters: "When Donald Trump comes at us … he's coming full tilt at Canadians as a whole."

"Protect your jurisdiction but (the) country comes first," he said.

Nearly 77 percent of Canadian exports go to the United States, which in 2023 represented about $382 billion worth of goods.

Agencies Via Xinhua