The trade tensions between Canada and the United States persist, with the new Canadian Prime Minister showing no sign of backing down.
President Donald Trump has stirred controversy by imposing tariffs that are considered ‘catastrophic’ on countries like Mexico, Canada, and China.
These countries did not take long to respond to the increased tariffs. China, for instance, has imposed a 15 percent tax on coal and liquefied natural gas from the U.S., alongside a 10 percent levy on crude oil, farming equipment, and some vehicles.
In reaction, Canada has implemented 25 percent tariffs on American imports.
Ontario’s Premier, Doug Ford, is also imposing tariffs on Canadian exports, potentially raising American electricity bills by $100 monthly.
Amidst these developments, future Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney offered insights on resolving the tariff standoff with Trump and his administration.
“The Canadian government has rightly retaliated with tariffs. We will keep our tariffs on until the Americans show us respect,” he remarked, as reported by The Independent.
“We did not ask for this fight. But Canadians are always ready when someone else drops the gloves. Make no mistake, Canada will win.”
Carney also referred to the challenging times Canada faces due to American policies.
“I know these are dark days. Dark days brought on by a country we can no longer trust,” Carney stated.
“We’re getting over the shock, but let us never forget the lessons: we have to look after ourselves and we have to look out for each other. We need to pull together in the tough days ahead.”
Carney’s sentiments are echoed by his predecessor Justin Trudeau, who criticized Trump’s tariffs as ‘dumb’.
In a televised statement, Trudeau said: “It’s not in my habit to agree with the Wall Street Journal, but Donald, they point out that even though you are a very smart guy, this a very dumb thing to do.”
China’s foreign minister also delivered a harsh critique of Trump’s actions.
“No country should fantasize that it can suppress China and maintain a good relationship with China at the same time,” said Wang Yi at a press conference on Friday (March 7).
“Such two-faced acts are not good for the stability of bilateral relations or for building mutual trust.”
Wang further commented: “In the spirit of humanitarianism, China has provided various forms of assistance to the US, and the US should not repay goodwill with resentment or impose unjustified tariffs.
“This is not the behavior of a responsible major power.”