Trudeau says Canada must think ‘tactically and strategically' on dealing with Trump's tariff threats

Trudeau addresses Canada's response to Trump's tariff threats, emphasizing strategic thinking and cooperation with the U.S. in 30-day extension.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday (February 7, 2025) that Canada must think “tactically and strategically” on how to deal with U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to impose hefty tariffs on all Canadian imports.

Speaking in Toronto at the opening of a one-day summit on the Canada-U.S. economic relationship, Mr. Trudeau told the gathering of trade, business and labour experts the country must work with the U.S. to avoid tariffs.

He also said Canada needs to eliminate internal trade barriers and expand its trade with other nations.

“This is a moment,” said Trudeau. “This is a time in our country's history that really matters.”

Later, local media reported that Mr. Trudeau told business leaders at the summit that Mr. Trump's comments to make Canada the 51th state are “a real thing.”

“Mr. Trump has it in mind that the easiest way to do it is absorbing our country and it is a real thing. In my conversations with him on…,” Mr. Trudeau said, before the microphone cut out, Canada's public broadcaster CBC reported.

Mr. Trump on Monday agreed to a 30-day pause on threats to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, with another 10% tariff on Canadian oil, natural gas and electricity.