The Government of Canada is fully aware of the serious threat posed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs, and we have been working diligently on a potentially strong and strategic response carefully designed to minimize the impact on Canadian consumers while sending a clear message that unfair trade actions will not go unanswered. We are committed to protecting our workers, businesses, and economy from any unjustified trade actions.
Let me be clear: these tariffs are baseless. President Trump claims they are necessary to push Canada to tighten border security, citing concerns over illegal migration and fentanyl. However, the U.S. government’s data confirms that only 1% of fentanyl and irregular migration into the U.S. comes from Canada—99% enters through other means.
Despite this, Canada has already made significant investments in border security, including additional Canada Border Services Agency officers, specialized K9 units trained at the CBSA College in Rigaud, and a new $1 billion investment in cutting-edge drone technology for border monitoring. Yet, President Trump continues to threaten tariffs.
We have made it clear at all levels—White House, Congress, and state leadership—that these tariffs would be deeply damaging to both our economies. Our two countries trade over $3.5 billion daily, and Canada is the largest trading partner for over 35 U.S. states. Disrupting this strong and mutually beneficial relationship would harm millions of workers, businesses, and families on both sides of the border.
While we continue to push for collaboration, let there be no doubt: Canada will never back down in the face of economic threats. If these tariffs move forward, we are prepared to respond decisively with strong retaliatory measures. Our response could include targeted tariffs on key U.S. exports to Canada, such as agricultural products, consumer goods, automotive parts and vehicles, and energy exports.
Our response will be strategic—targeting sectors that minimize harm to our economy while maximizing pressure on the U.S. administration to reconsider. We are also working closely with provincial and territorial leaders, as well as international allies in Europe and beyond, to build a united front against these unjustified tariffs.
I will keep you updated as this situation evolves. Rest assured, we are doing everything necessary to defend the interests of Canadians, including here in Vaudreuil-Soulanges.
Best regards,
© 2026 Peter Schiefke
