Federal government says 'not to confuse' premiers' differing opinions on Trump tariff retaliation, 'confident' in Canada's response
CTV
As it continues to tout a 'Team Canada' approach, the federal government is downplaying differing opinions from premiers on how Canada should respond to a potential 25 per cent tariff from U.S. president-elect Donald Trump.
As it continues to tout a ‘Team Canada’ approach, the federal government is downplaying differing opinions from premiers on how Canada should respond to a potential 25 per cent tariff from U.S. president-elect Donald Trump.
“One should be careful not to confuse the odd public comment, with what is a clear desire to work together with the Government of Canada,” Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc told reporters on Friday in Saint John, N.B. “This is an important moment for the whole country, and I don't think Canadians would be very forgiving if their politicians weren't trying to work on the national interest together.”
LeBlanc’s remarks come one day after some provinces pushed back against Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s threat to cut off his province’s energy supply to the U.S. if Trump follows through on his tariff warning. Trump has said he will impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico unless both countries address the flow of illegal migrants and illegal drugs at the border.
On Wednesday, following a premiers’ meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Ford said Ontario “will go to the extent of cutting off their energy, going down to Michigan, going down to New York state and over to Wisconsin” to retaliate.
According to Ford, Ontario sends energy – mostly electricity – to power 1.5 million homes in Michigan, New York and Minnesota.
But the following day, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Quebec Premier Francois Legault and Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey pushed back against cutting off energy to the U.S. as a retaliatory measure.
"Let me be clear, from the Alberta perspective, under no circumstances will Alberta agree to cut off oil and gas exports," Smith told reporters on Thursday.
