Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, made it very clear at his press briefing on Tuesday, March 4, at around 11am. There was no question of Canada bowing down to the United States in the face of the 25% tariffs imposed on Canadian products crossing U.S. borders. The country is retaliating by imposing similar measures on products from Uncle Sam's country. 

“We're not backing down in the face of provocation, and we're responding to the U.S. threat. How do we respond? By imposing tariffs on $155 billion worth of American products on the market. Right now, we're imposing 25% tariffs on $30 billion worth of American products. Then, in 21 days, the same measure will be applied to the rest of the items worth $125 billion,” said the Prime Minister at the start of his press briefing. 

Mr. Trudeau also pledged to improve employment insurance benefits and offer more assistance to individuals and businesses affected by these measures, should they last for a long time. “Our primary objective is to do everything possible to ensure that these tariffs are withdrawn as quickly as possible. If that doesn't happen, we'll also be looking at solutions to support Canadians through this storm.” 

The elected official indicated that Canada will file a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization and the U.S. Court to protest the entry into force of these measures. “We are continuing our discussions with the provincial premiers to put in place non-tariff measures so that there is no winner in this tariff war.” 

“Your president is sabotaging your own economy” 

During his speech, Mr. Trudeau addressed the citizens of the United States. “We don't want this conflict your country, which until now has been our friend, our ally. We don't want to harm your government by deciding to put you through this. Inflation in your country will rise dramatically, as will the price of gasoline, cars and your homes. It's your president who has decided to undermine your country's security by imposing these measures. He has decided to sabotage your own economy. These are unjustified measures that nobody wants. The reasons given for doing so are false”, he added. 

He was referring to the illegal entry of fentanyl and illegal immigrants into the U.S. from Canada, reasons cited by Donald Trump to explain the tariffs. Mr. Trudeau pointed out that fentanyl seizures at the border fell by 97% between December 2024 and January 2025. 

“Canada has stepped up measures at the Canadian border as promised in our meeting with Donald Trump before the tariffs were suspended last February. We have respected all the commitments we made. We have invested $1.3 billion in strengthening our border. We assigned drones, helicopters and extra manpower to keep our word. We've hired a Fentanyl czar. In short, we've delivered on all our promises. I rarely agree with the Wall Street Journal, but it's true that this is a stupid measure,” he argued.  

A call for unity 

“The last few months have been stressful and exhausting, but the solidarity has been there. Canadians are speaking with one voice. I've seen you share your lists of Canadian products with your loved ones, change your vacation plans to stay in Canada, redouble your efforts to support our SMEs and their workers, and cheer on our athletes with unprecedented fervour. All these actions have made me very proud. I want to tell you: don't give up. It's time to stand up and speak with one voice. We will always defend your interests. Despite the challenges ahead, I'm very optimistic about our country's future. I'm proud of the fact that despite our differences of language, belief and culture, we hold hands in difficult times and stand together. That's the message I'll be passing on to the Premiers this afternoon,” he confided. 

In closing, Mr. Trudeau reiterated that his primary objective is to stop the imposition of tariffs. “Our goal is not to find a way to ride out the storm, but to prevent the storm from lasting for long. If it's going to last, we're not going to let Canadians down. We're going to work on measures to support them financially,” he concludes.