Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with Canada’s premiers on Wednesday to discuss a federal border security plan and strategies to respond to U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s looming threat of 25% tariffs on Canadian imports. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc confirmed the plan is still being finalized but has received positive feedback from provincial leaders.
The meeting marked the second discussion on Trump’s tariff proposal, which stems from his concerns over illegal migration and fentanyl trafficking. Although Canada contributes only a fraction of such issues compared to Mexico, the threat has highlighted gaps in Canadian border security. Several premiers have offered provincial policing resources to support the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the RCMP. LeBlanc noted the possibility of new legislation to strengthen these efforts.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed cautious approval of the federal plan, stating that the government has agreed to specific requests, such as increased police resources and improved tracking of fentanyl origins. Ford reiterated the need for swift implementation, emphasizing, “It’s one thing to have a plan. Now we have to implement it.” He also warned that Ontario might cut off energy exports to U.S. states like Michigan and New York as a retaliatory measure if tariffs are imposed.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland echoed calls for unity, describing Canada’s response as a “Team Canada” approach. Freeland highlighted critical minerals and metals as potential leverage in trade discussions and affirmed the government’s commitment to preparing for the worst while hoping for the best. She praised premiers for their outreach to U.S. officials and media to emphasize the mutual economic impact of Trump’s proposed tariffs.
Meanwhile, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ford have been proactive in addressing U.S. audiences, appearing on media outlets like Fox News to warn of the economic repercussions for American consumers. The premiers’ efforts align with Trudeau’s broader strategy of fostering diplomatic engagement while crafting a robust national response.
The federal government is under pressure to act decisively, with opposition leaders urging unity against Trump’s tactics. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh described Trump as a “bully” and stressed the importance of presenting a strong front, while Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called tariffs “a bad idea” but criticized Trudeau as a weak leader.
With Trump’s inauguration just weeks away, Canada faces the challenge of balancing diplomacy with firm resistance to safeguard its economic interests. The federal government is expected to finalize and reveal its detailed border security plan in the coming days.