â–º Listen Live

Carney to meet premiers on Canadian response as Trump imposes sweeping tariffs

Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet Canada’s premiers Thursday to discuss possible retaliatory measures against the United States after President Donald Trump imposed sweeping tariffs affecting nearly every country in the world.

While Canada avoided a blanket 10 per cent tariff on all exports to the U.S., the White House confirmed a 25 per cent tariff on all imported vehicles shipped stateside. Canadian steel and aluminum producers will also face a 25 per cent tariff on their exports to the United States.

Speaking with reporters before a cabinet meeting Wednesday, Carney said Trump could potentially target additional Canadian sectors not yet subject to tariffs.

“President Trump has just announced a series of measures that will fundamentally change the international trading system,” Carney told reporters.

“In doing so, he has preserved a number of important elements of our relationship… but the ‘fentanyl tariffs’ still remain in place, as do the tariffs for steel and aluminum. As of this evening, the tariffs on automobiles will enter into force, and the U.S. has signalled that there will be additional tariffs in so-called strategic sectors — pharmaceuticals, lumber, and semiconductors.”

Carney pledged to challenge Trump’s tariffs directly through targeted countermeasures, emphasizing his commitment to protect Canadian workers.

“This series of measures will directly affect millions of Canadians,” he said. “We are going to fight these tariffs with countermeasures. We are going to protect our workers, and we are going to build the strongest economy in the G7. In a crisis, it is important to come together, and it is essential to act with purpose and with force. That is what we will do.”

According to a fact sheet from the White House, goods imported under the existing Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) will not face tariffs. Products imported outside the agreement will see a baseline tariff of 10 per cent.

Speaking in the White House Rose Garden, Trump defended his decision:

“For decades, our country has been looted, pillaged, raped and plundered by nations near and far, both friend and foe alike,” Trump said. “Our country and its taxpayers have been ripped off for more than 50 years, but it is not going to happen anymore.”

Stock markets sharply reversed earlier gains following Trump’s remarks, and many economists warn that a global trade war of this magnitude could lead the world’s economies into recession.

John White
John White
John has been working in Canadian media for 30 years, moving around the country with stops in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and B.C. along the way. He has been an executive with several of Canada's leading newsrooms, helping to shape the future of the industry.

Continue Reading

cjsu Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Contactless payments coming soon to BC Transit riders

Bus riders may soon have an easier way to pay for their fare, as BC Transit prepares to roll out contactless debit and credit card payments across its network through the Umo fare system.

RCMP arrest two youths after armed robbery in Duncan

North Cowichan–Duncan RCMP have arrested two male youths after an attempted armed robbery in Duncan last month.

Aeration trials in Quamichan Lake approved by province 

Aeration trials are expected to start this winter to address escalating concerns over the quality of water in Quamichan Lake.

Update: Highway 1 reopens near Chemainus following vehicle incident Friday

Update: Fri. Oct 10 - 8:40 p.m.: The highway...

Canada Post to resume limited service as CUPW shifts to rotating strikes Oct. 11

Canada Post says it will begin restarting mail operations this weekend as the Canadian Union of Postal Workers shifts from a national walkout to rotating strikes.
- Advertisement -