As U.S. President Donald Trump imposed his long-threatened 25 per cent tariff on Canada, provinces have responded with reassurances for their constituents and in some cases countermeasures. This is above and beyond the $155 billion in retaliatory tariffs Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Saturday.
Here the premiers of Canada’s largest provinces responded to President Trump’s tariff imposition.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford
Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed disappointment with the decision and touted a “Team Canada” response.
“I’m extremely disappointed that President Trump has chosen to walk away from a trading relationship that for decades has made life better for millions of workers on both sides of the border,” said Ford.
Ford championed the need to increase government spending by tens of billions to keep Ontario’s economy afloat with a renewed mandate from the electorate.
“With a strong, stable, four-year mandate that outlives and outlasts the Trump administration, I’ll do whatever it takes to protect Ontario, our workers, businesses and communities. I’ll invest tens of billions to retrain workers for new opportunities, retool companies for new customers, reshore supply chains and rebuild roads and highways to create new jobs.”
Later in the day, Premier Ford was interviewed on CNN where he claimed that the tariffs were not only unjust, but illegal under the USMCA trade agreement, which replaced NAFTA.
“As for the tariffs it was unjustified, it was unfair, and quite frankly, it was illegal. Breaking a deal that we had with the USMCA deal, and it’s disappointing,” said Ford.
Ford said that the tariffs will hurt both Canadians and Americanas and pleaded with Trump to not treat Canada like Mexico or China, who Trump also slapped with tariffs.
“It’s gonna be terrible. It’s gonna make Americans poorer, it’s gonna create inflation, it’s gonna make Canadians poorer, it’s gonna really hurt both economies,” said Ford.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith made it known that she was disheartened to hear that Trump signed an order to impose sizable tariffs on Canadian imports.
“I am disappointed with U.S. President Donald Trump’s @realDonaldTrump decision to place tariffs on all Canadian goods. This decision will harm Canadians and Americans alike, and strain the important relationship and alliance between our two nations,” said Smith on X.
However, Smith indicated she is encouraged to see the Trump administration impose a reduced tariff rate on Canadian energy products, crediting her government’s advocacy on behalf of the energy sector for the exemption.
“We note the reduced 10% tariff for Canadian energy which is partially a recognition of the advocacy undertaken by our Government and industry to the U.S. Administration pointing out the substantial wealth created in the U.S. by American companies and tens of thousands of American workers,” said Smith.
In the months leading up to Trump’s return to the White House, Smith met with several Republican lawmakers, including Trump himself at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida.
Smith committed to continue lobbying American lawmakers and to work collaboratively with the federal government to respond to the tariffs, though will not support any plan from the federal government to ban exports to the United States or impose export tariffs.
“Alberta will, however, continue to strenuously oppose any effort to ban exports to the U.S. or to tax our own people and businesses on goods leaving Canada for the United States. Such tactics would hurt Canadians far more than Americans.”
Quebec Premier François Legault
Quebec Premier Francois Legault says Quebec is ready to go to battle with President Trump to protect Quebec’s workers in light of looming tariffs on Quebec’s exports to the United States.
Legault spoke with Trump at the reopening for the Notre Dame cathedral and conveyed his desire to avoid a trade war, but now views retaliatory tariffs as the only way to protect Quebec’s economy.
“Our first choice has always been to avoid a trade conflict with our main partner. But Mr. Trump has decided to attack us. We must stand up. We must fight to protect our economy and our jobs,” said Legault.
In response to the tariffs, Legault ordered Quebec’s treasury board president to penalize American companies applying for procurement contracts equivalent to the penalty of a 25% tariff.
He is also encouraging constituents to “Buy Quebec” in order to support local businesses and drive down the sales of American products.
British Columbia Premier David Eby
In a video uploaded to social media, British Columbia Premier David Eby said that Canada needs to respond “firmly and forcefully” to American tariffs in order to protect Canadian jobs.
“President Trump’s crushing 25 per cent tariffs are a complete betrayal of the historic bond between our countries. It is a declaration of economic war against a trusted ally and friend,” said Eby.
Eby recognized the need for premiers and the federal government to work together on a “Team Canada” approach to dealing with America’s new trade policy and indicated his support for retaliatory tariffs.
In an effort to support local businesses, the premier said that he is directing BC Liquor to stop buying American liquor from states governed by the Republicans.
“I have directed BC Liquor sales to immediately stop buying American liquor from red states. Liquor store employees will be removing the most popular of these brands from store shelves,” said Eby.
Eby has also directed the province’s crown corporations to stop buying American goods and services and replace them with Canadian products.
Other Provincial Responses
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe focused on alleviating the Trump administration’s border security concerns, touting his government’s efforts to fortify the border.
“Saskatchewan has been equally clear about efforts to stop the flow of fentanyl and illegal migrants. We have enhanced our provincial border security measures,” said Moe.
Moe made clear that the federal government should prioritize addressing Trump’s concerns by securing the border and amending the Criminal Code to toughen penalties for drug offences related to fentanyl.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston indicated that his government will limit access to procurement for American business while looking for opportunities to cancel existing contracts.
Houston will also increase tolls for American vehicles by 100% on the tolled highway Cobequid Pass effective Feb. 3 and direct the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation to remove all American liquor from store shelves.
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt is also encouraging constituents to buy local to help build the provincial economy and indicated her willingness to use “every tool in our toolbox.”
Holt is backing the federal government in responding with tariffs of their own, standing by the “Team Canada” approach.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew also backed the federal government in imposing retaliatory tariffs on the United States.
Similar to Legault and Holt, Kinew is urging Manitobans to make an effort to conscientiously purchase Canadian goods over American goods to support local businesses and Canada’s cause in the trade war.
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey joined the other premiers in condemning the tariffs and urging Newfoundlanders to buy locally made products.
