1) (Update) Trudeau says Trump’s comments about taking over Canada are ‘a real thing’

Courtesy Barrie360.com and Canadian Press

By Sarah Ritchie and Sammy Hudes, Feb. 7, 2025.

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, left, and London Mayor Josh Morgan, right, look on as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Big City Mayors Caucus meeting, Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Donald Trump is not joking when he says he’d like to make Canada the 51st state, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday, adding that the U.S. president’s annexation plans are related to Canada’s supply of critical minerals.

Trudeau made the remarks to more than 100 business, labour and industry leaders who were invited to an economic summit in Toronto hosted by the government and its advisory council on Canada-U.S. relations.

His comments about Trump were made behind closed doors after reporters were ushered out of the room. The Toronto Star was able to hear what Trudeau was saying because the audio was inadvertently broadcast.

“They’re very aware of our resources, of what we have and they very much want to be able to benefit from those,” Trudeau said, as reported by the Toronto Star.

“But Mr. Trump has it in mind that one of the easiest ways of doing that is absorbing our country. And it is a real thing.”

Trudeau’s comments represent a marked shift in tone for his government.

Trump’s statements about making Canada the 51st state first made headlines in December, shortly after Trudeau and then-public safety minister Dominic LeBlanc visited Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate a few days after Trump said he would impose tariffs on Canada the day he was inaugurated.

LeBlanc, who has since become the finance minister, initially told reporters it was clear Trump was joking and suggested that was a sign the relationship was going well.

But Trump hasn’t stopped openly musing about taking over Canada. He has said he would use “economic force” to make it happen and has repeatedly told reporters Canada can avoid sweeping tariffs if it becomes a state.

Transport Minister Anita Anand, Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne and Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon were asked about Trudeau’s comments in Toronto on Friday.

Anand said it’s clear that everyone at the summit agreed on one thing. “And that is, there will be no messing with the 49th parallel,” she said.

“Canada is free. Canada is sovereign. Canada will choose its own destiny, thank you very much,” MacKinnon said.

Trump’s plan to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods, with a 10 per cent tariff on Canadian energy, has been put on hold until March 4.

The president said in a social media post on Feb. 3 that Canada had agreed to address his concerns about fentanyl crossing the U.S. border, and the next month would determine “whether or not a final Economic deal with Canada can be structured.”

His administration also has ordered a study of the United States’ trading relationship with Canada, due by April 1.

In his public comments at the summit Friday morning, Trudeau said the month-long extension on potential tariffs is something Canada “needs to use.” He said there is no reason to move forward with the tariffs.

“We need to be very deliberate about how we continue to engage closely with the United States, to make the case and demonstrate that Canada is responsible for a tiny part of the North American fentanyl problem, but that we are also very bitterly touched by this tragedy,” he said.

“Over the next 30 days, we will demonstrate that even the tiny amount that is Canada’s responsibility into the United States is going to reduce even further.”

Champagne said he’s been in Washington, D.C., this week making the case against tariffs.

“One thing that I made clear is that the supply chain are very integrated, and that Canada is prepared and willing to work with our American friends on the basis of mutual respect, respecting our sovereignty, respecting the dignity of our workers and our industry,” he said.

“And they understand now better than ever that you cannot pick on Canada and make life more affordable for Americans.”

Beth Burke, CEO of the Canadian American Business Council, said she doesn’t think her fellow Americans believe Trump’s threat is real or want to take over Canada.

“I think our perception is more that it is one from a position of negotiation and posturing and using it as leverage in the conversation,” she said, adding that Canada and the U.S. should be “doubling down on the relationship” through things like critical minerals.

The tariff threat and the volatility of the Trump administration have many business and labour leaders in Canada urging the federal government to look for other trading partners and ways to strengthen internal trade.

Trudeau said that’s part of the strategic thinking needed to make the economy resilient.

“It’s about time we have genuine free trade in Canada,” he said, adding that trade with the U.S. and the rest of the world is also essential.

Canada’s Committee on Internal Trade met last week to tackle interprovincial trade barriers, something that was called for by premiers at a recent First Ministers’ meeting.

Former Alberta premier Rachel Notley said that while it’s unlikely all interprovincial trade barriers can be eliminated in under a month, there seems to be a “renewed commitment to letting go of some of the historic rationales” behind them.

“Will we get rid of everything? Don’t be silly. But will we have a measurable impact on those and start making progress? I think we are well-placed to see that outcome,” said Notley, a member of the advisory council on Canada-U.S. Relations.

“It is time for us in Canada to be able to work east-west with each other, rather than becoming as vulnerable as we have.”

The summit brought together a wide range of people, including representatives from the Assembly of First Nations, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, municipalities, the auto sector and labour groups.

Benjamin Bergen, president of the Council of Canadian Innovators, said Canada needs to use this moment to be bold.

“We have to get our sh-t together and figure out (what) the world wants and sell it,” he said.

2) (Updated): Prime Minister Trudeau will host a Canada-U.S. summit amid threat of Trump tariffsCanada – US Relations: (Updated) Prime Minister Trudeau will host a Canada-U.S. summit amid threat of Trump tariffs

Courtesy Barrie360.com and Canadian Press

By Kyle Duggan, February 5, 2025

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will host a Canada-U.S. economic summit in Toronto on Friday, days after President Donald Trump said he would hold off on deploying his threatened tariffs against Canada for a month.

“We want businesses, investors and workers to choose Canada,” Trudeau said in a news release.

The Prime Minister’s Office said the pause on tariffs presents an important opportunity to build a long-term prosperity agenda for Canada.

The event will assemble Canadian trade and business leaders and representatives of organized labour to discuss strategies to expand the economy, break down internal trade barriers and diversify exports.

It will also feature members of the Council on Canada-U.S. Relations, formed earlier this year to advise Trudeau on bilateral relations and Trump’s tariff threat.

Trudeau held a virtual meeting with the premiers Wednesday to discuss the federal government’s response to the tariff threat. Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford said they talked about how to knock down interprovincial trade barriers, expedite permits for resource development and secure the border.

“I’ve asked the federal government, who is the czar when it comes to drugs overall, especially fentanyl?” Ford said at a campaign stop in Pickering, Ont.

Trump signed an executive order on Saturday to impose 25 per cent across-the-board tariffs on all Mexican and Canadian imports, with a lower 10 per cent tariff on Canadian energy. The president linked the duties to what he called the illegal flow of people and fentanyl across the borders.

The threat of a trade war — which economists have said would damage both economies and boost inflation — was resolved temporarily Monday for both countries after Trump spoke separately by phone with Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Trump agreed to freeze the levies until March 4 in response to border security commitments from Canada and Mexico. Trump said in a social media post that the tariffs will be delayed to see if the two countries can reach a “final economic deal.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed victory for Trump in his negotiations with Canada and Mexico. When asked Wednesday whether Trump intends to use tariffs to cut taxes in America, Leavitt said he “believes tariffs are a great revenue raiser for this country.”

Canadian officials have taken little solace from the delay. The president has made a wide range of complaints against Canada, citing trade deficits and Canada’s modest defence spending. He has said repeatedly he wants to make the country the 51st state.

Experts have warned that ongoing trade uncertainty will make Canada a less desirable place to invest than the U.S.

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne and Defence Minister Bill Blair were in the U.S. capital this week looking to arrange meetings with industry representatives, Republican lawmakers and key members of Trump’s team.

A delegation of Canadian premiers will also make the case for Canada in Washington next week. Ford, who is chair of the Council of the Federation, said it’s critical to communicate directly with American lawmakers and business groups.

Ford, who used Trump’s tariffs threat as justification for calling an early provincial election, said he will have 15 meetings on his first day in Washington, during which he’ll discuss the benefits of the United States and Canada working together.

“I have yet to hear one elected official, no matter Republican or Democrat, (that) thinks this is a good idea to attack your closest neighbour and your cherished ally,” Ford said.

“There’s just no reason to be wasting time on this, in my opinion. Let’s build a stronger two countries.”

— With files from Allison Jones in Pickering, Ont. and Kelly Geraldine Malone in Washington

3)Despite tariff pause, uncertainty hangs over Canadian economy

Courtesy Barrie360.com and Canadian Press

By Michel Saba, Feb. 4, 2025

 Uncertainty still hangs over the Canadian economy despite U.S. President Donald Trump announcing a 30-day pause in tariffs that were to take effect today.

The reprieve halts — at least for now — a continental trade war that economists on both sides of the border warned would raise prices.

Trump’s decision meant Canada and the provinces also halted their moves to retaliate including with tariffs and bans on U.S. alcohol sales north of the border.

Trump on Saturday signed an order to impose 25 per cent across-the-board tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports, with a lower 10 per cent tariff on Canadian energy.

On Monday, following two phone calls with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Trump said the tariffs would be off the table for 30 days to see if the two countries could reach a “final economic deal.”

In his own social media post, Trudeau outlined his government’s $1.3 billion plan to address Trump’s stated concerns about border security that Canada unveiled in December.

He also said nearly 10,000 front-line personnel “are and will” be protecting Canada’s border, and announced $200 million in new initiatives to address fentanyl trafficking including a “fentanyl czar.”

Some of the border measures will be on display today. 

Public Safety Minister David McGuinty and Terry Duguid, minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, will join Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew later this morning at the Emerson port of entry, where they’ll see how the Canada Border Services Agency detects fentanyl and other toxic materials. They’ll also see a Black Hawk helicopter which the RCMP is now using to patrol the U.S. border in the province.

But the tariffs delay is not a long-term comfort for many in Canada’s labour and business communities.

Unifor, the country’s largest private sector union, insists that Trump’s threat of tariffs remains in effect, threatening Canadian jobs. National President Lana Payne calls for Canada to “use every single available lever to build a strong, resilient, and diverse economy.”

The Business Council of Canada also notes that “with a 30-day delay, much uncertainty remains.” 

President and CEO Goldy Hyder said it remains clear that Canada must “act with urgency to improve our long-term economic prospects.”

Quebec Premier François Legault complained that “what’s annoying” about dealing with Trump “is that there’s always this sword hanging over our heads.” 

He believes the events of the last few days emphasize the importance of diversifying markets and limiting Canadian dependence on American exports.

Canada has spent the last three months on a full-court press in Washington, D.C. and Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s Florida resort, trying to push its case against tariffs. Despite the pause, that work continues.

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson will be in Washington today to deliver a speech on the future of energy in North America.

4) ‘Fentanyl czar’ will serve as liaison between U.S. and Canada, minister says

Courtesy Barrie360.com and Canadian Press

By Canadian Press Staff, Feb. 4, 2025

Federal Public Safety Minister David McGuinty says Canada’s new “fentanyl czar” will serve as a liaison between Canada and the U.S. on cross-border efforts to curb fentanyl traffic.

McGuinty was in Emerson, Man., this morning attending a border security exercise.

Ottawa announced the new position on Monday in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports.

Those tariffs were to have taken effect today but Trump called them off until March after speaking with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about Canada’s border response on Monday.

McGuinty says the fentanyl czar is among some additions to the $1.3 billion border plan Canada announced weeks ago in an attempt to head off Trump’s tariff threat.

Less than one per cent of fentanyl entering the United States comes from Canada, and McGuinty says illegal border crossings from Canada to the U.S. are down 89 per cent since last summer.

5) Support, silence and confusion: Republicans respond to Trump’s trade war

Courtesy Barrie360.com and Canadian Press

By Kelly Geraldine Malone, Feb. 2, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump’s unprecedented move to pull America’s closest neighbours into a trade war has left some Republican lawmakers precariously navigating how to support the leader’s tariff agenda while their local economies brace for impact.

Many Republicans — caught between risking the president’s ire and facing backlash from constituents concerned about rising costs — remained quiet about the damaging duties, set to be deployed Tuesday. Other came out loudly in support.

“Canada needs to come to the table,” Kristi Noem, the former governor of South Dakota and the new head of the Department of Homeland Security, told NBC News on Sunday.

“They need to work with us to make sure that not only can we be good neighbours, but that we can help each other’s economies by getting in line.”

Trump signed executive orders Saturday to hit imports from Canada and Mexico with damaging duties amounting to 10 per cent on Canadian energy and 25 per cent on everything else.

Canada and Mexico quickly announced their intention to push back — despite the fact that the order includes a retaliation clause that says if the countries respond with duties on American products, the levies could be increased.

The president has linked the tariffs to what he calls the illegal flow of people and fentanyl across the border. U.S Customs and Border Protection statistics show less than one per cent of all fentanyl seized in the U.S. comes from the northern border. 

Trump expanded an earlier emergency declaration at the southern border to the north and issued the tariffs through the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA). No president has used IEEPA for tariffs and it remains to be seen if the order will survive legal challenges.

The executive order states Noem will tell the president if Canada has done enough to alleviate the “public health crisis through cooperative enforcement actions” to lift the tariffs. It doesn’t say what measures would suffice.

Many experts say it’s more likely the levies are part of Trump’s plan to fill federal coffers through an extensive tariff agenda, while also rattling Canada and Mexico ahead of a mandatory review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement.

Canadian ministers had been cycling through Washington in recent weeks, meeting with Republican lawmakers and members of Trump’s team in a last-ditch effort to stop the duties. Ministers met Friday with Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar, to discuss Canada’s $1.3 billion border security plan, implemented to appease the president’s concerns.

During an interview on Fox News on Sunday, Homan said he hadn’t shared the details of that presentation with the president and did not weigh in on whether it might be enough to lift the tariffs.

“I’ll brief him on the meeting I had, but that’s the president’s decision,” Homan said. “I don’t want to get ahead of him on that, but I will brief him on what I heard… so he knows what they have done, what they said they will do.”

Republicans in support of the president’s tariff prerogative repeated the president’s border security claims, despite widespread concerns that the duties will stoke inflation and raise costs for Americans.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott warned Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to be “careful” about imposing retaliatory tariffs.

“The Texas economy is larger than Canada’s. And we’re not afraid to use it,” Abbott posted on social media Saturday.

House Speaker Mike Johnson praised Trump’s tariffs on social media, despite saying last week he didn’t think the duties would happen. 

Many are looking for another key figure to weigh in. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has said repeatedly he has not supported across-the-board tariffs and has warned they lead to higher inflation. The South Dakota Republican’s state could be hammered by tariffs.

South Dakota’s largest market is Canada, representing 44 per cent of total exported goods from the agriculture state. It also imports USD $686 million in goods from Canada annually, including fertilizer and machinery. Mexico is the state’s second largest market.

While many Republicans remained mum, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky was among the exceptions. He posted on social media that “tariffs are simply taxes.”

“Conservatives once united against new taxes. Taxing trade will mean less trade and higher prices,” Paul said.

Don Bacon, a Nebraska congressman, was careful not to criticize the president while expressing confusion over why Canada was being dragged into a trade war. On CNN Saturday, Bacon said Trump likes to use tariffs as a tool for negotiating trade deals.

“With Canada we already have a trade agreement and it was a good trade agreement.,” Bacon said. “And so that’s hard for me to square that circle because we’ve already negotiated a deal with them on this.”

He suggested that Trump focus on China and Russia, adding “they are our adversaries and China does do illegal trade practices.”

Democrats widely condemned Trump’s tariffs, criticizing the president for campaigning on affordability while taking actions likely to raise costs.

“You’re worried about grocery prices. Don’s raising prices with his tariffs,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said on social media.