‘Extremely Disappointed’: Canada’s Premiers Respond to US Tariffs

Canada’s premiers speak to the media during the fall premiers’ meeting in Toronto on Dec. 16, 2024. The Canadian Press/Nathan Denette

Premiers from around the country are responding to the tariffs that U.S. President Donald Trump has put into place, with all of them supporting retaliatory measures to one degree or another.

Trump announced 25 percent tariffs on exports from Canada and Mexico, as well as a 10 percent levy on China on top of previous tariffs on that country. In the case of Canadian oil and gas exports, Trump set a lower tariff rate at 10 percent.

The White House says the tariffs are due to the countries not taking appropriate action to stop the flow of drugs and illegal migrants through their borders into the Untied States.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Feb. 1 that Canada will be responding with its own retaliatory tariffs that will go into effect on Feb. 4, the same day as the U.S. tariffs. Canada’s tariffs, set at 25 percent, will be applied to $155 billion worth of American goods, which include fruits, home appliances, clothing, plastics, alcoholic beverages, and many other products.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he is “extremely disappointed” in Trump’s decision, and that Canada has “no choice” but to “hit back and hit back hard.” He said he wanted to see tariffs matched dollar for dollar with U.S. tariffs.

“We need to maximize our points of leverage and use them to maximum effect. The federal government needs to also pursue every legal route to challenge these unfair, unjustified and illegal tariffs,” said Ford, who is in the middle of an election campaign.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, whose province accounts for 87 percent of Canada’s oil exports to the United States, also said she’s disappointed in Trump’s decision.

“Alberta will do everything in its power to convince the U.S. President and Congress, as well as the American people, to reverse this mutually destructive policy,” she wrote in a statement.

Smith noted that the lowered 10 percent tariff on energy was a partial recognition of the work her government has done to advocate against the tariffs with U.S. politicians and leaders.

She added that she supports the use of tariffs on American exports to Canada as a response, but opposes Ottawa putting on export tariffs on Canadian products going into the United States.

Trudeau said during a press conference on Feb. 1 that as part of its response to the U.S. tariffs, Canada may consider non-tariff responses as wells, including measures involving “critical minerals and energy procurement.” When asked if that means Canada may shut off oil exports to the United States, something Alberta has been strongly opposed to, Trudeau said he will ensure the response Canada takes won’t be damaging to one part of the country more than the others, and that it would be “equitable.”

B.C. Premier David Eby, meanwhile, said at a press conference on Feb. 1 that the tariffs “are a complete betrayal of the historic bond between our countries and a declaration of economic war against a trusted ally.”

Eby said his province has counter-measures prepared, including directing the BC Liquor Distribution Branch to stop buying liquor from Republican states. He also said the B.C. government and Crown corporations have been directed to buy Canadian goods and services first, and avoid purchasing from American companies.

Quebec Premier François Legault said his province will respond “without hesitation.”

“Mr. Trump spoke specifically about aluminum and steel, key sectors that sustain our regions with good-paying jobs,” he said in a post on X. “We will protect our economy and defend our workers. We will respond quickly and without hesitation. But the goal is to end these tariffs as quickly as possible.”

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said he supports some retaliatory measures but not a full-on tariff war with the United States.

“As I have said, I support very targeted and specific retaliatory measures to initial tariffs,” he wrote on X.

“However, this should never be the longer-term answer. Saskatchewan’s exports are crucial to supporting food and energy security across North America and around the world. We will also be working to ensure diversification of Saskatchewan markets for our goods.”

“Tariffs are harmful to all of us in North America,” he added.

‘Forceful Response’

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said his government this coming week “is going to be announcing new steps to protect your jobs and to safeguard our economy here at home.”

“It’s really important right now for all Canadians to stand together and for us to be united. Manitoba fully supports the federal government’s response to these tariffs,” Kinew said.

Trudeau said during a Feb. 1 press conference that the federal government is working with the provinces to come up with measures to support Canadians impacted by the tariffs.

Recently elected New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said Canada is prepared to hit back “with a forceful response.”

“Our team will use every tool in our toolbox to defend and support New Brunswickers and put an end to these tariffs,” she said in a social media post.

She also said it was important for Canadians to buy local.

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said his province would focus on finding new markets, including inter-provincial and international trade opportunities.

Houston also laid out his government’s next steps, including limiting access on American businesses looking for government contracts, doubling tolls at the Cobequid Pass for commercial vehicles from the United States, starting on Feb. 3. He said he will also direct that all U.S. alcohol come off the shelves by Feb. 4.

Andrew Furey, premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, said Canadians should make a point of buying locally made products, or ones from elsewhere in Canada.

He said the tariffs are troubling and an appropriate response would be launched.

Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King said the tariffs pose a serious risk to the economy of Canada and his province.

“We will work closely with the federal government and our provincial and territorial partners to push back against these tariffs and make it clear that Canadian businesses and workers cannot be treated unfairly,” he said in a statement on Feb. 1.