Ottawa:

 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that Canada’s response will be “forceful but reasonable” if US decide to impose 25 per cent tariffs as threatened by President Donald Trump, The Globe and Mail reported.

President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on its neighbour Canada and Mexico as early as Saturday.

“If the president does choose to implement any tariffs against Canada, we’re ready with a response — a purposeful, forceful but reasonable, immediate response,” Trudeau told reporters before a meeting with his advisory council on Canada-US relations on Friday, The Globe and Mail reported.

Meanwhile, Trump on Thursday reiterated his threats saying that the tarrifs are coming and that he had yet to decide whether Canadian oil would be covered in those tariffs.

Trudeau mentioned that along with Canada, the tariffs would also damage US economy and undermine the collective security of two nations.

Trudeau added that Canada would keep making its case that trade with Canada is good for the long-term prosperity and security of the United States, noting Canada’s steel and aluminum, critical minerals and clean energy, as well as its “stable democratic institutions, shared values and the best workers in the world.”, The Globe and Mail reported.

“If the tariffs are implemented against Canada, we will respond. We won’t relent until tariffs are removed and, of course, everything is on the table,” Trudeau said.

According to The Hill, Trump remain resolute to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico, citing trade deficit on the US.

“We’ll be announcing the tariffs on Canada and Mexico for a number of reasons. “I’ll be putting the tariff of 25 percent on Canada and Mexico, and we will really have to do that because we have very big deficits with those countries,” Trump said on Thursday.

Ruby Dhalla, a Canadian politician of Indian origin, is making history by running for the leadership of the Liberal Party and potentially becoming Canada’s first woman of colour Prime Minister. Dhalla emphasised the importance of diversity within the party and in the country’s debates.

As a self-made businesswoman, doctor, and three-time Member of Parliament, Dhalla believes she has the experience to navigate Canada’s challenges. She identified the rising cost of housing, increasing crime rates, rising food prices, and the threat of US tariffs as key issues facing Canadians. “Given the tariff threats that Canada is facing, it will have a big impact on Canadian workers and on the Canadian economy”, Dhalla added.

Dhalla’s personal story is one of overcoming humble beginnings. Born in Winnipeg to immigrant parents, she achieved her Canadian dream through hard work and determination. She added that her life speaks volumes about the opportunities that exist in Canada. She also credited Pierre Trudeau, current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s father, for opening Canada’s doors to immigrants in the 1970s.

She said, “My mother came to Canada in 1972 and I have the opportunity to, through her wishes, through a lot of hard work, drive and determination, but also because of the great country that Canada is, to fulfill a Canadian dream.”

Regarding India-Canada relations, Dhalla stressed the importance of strengthening ties, given the large Indian diaspora in Canada. She believes Canada should explore partnerships with other countries, including India, to mitigate the impact of US tariffs.

Speaking in Hindi, she added, “Jitne bhi humare Canada main business log hain, workers hain, unko bhi ek opportunity milni chahiye ki wo baki deshon ke saath kaam kar sake”. (Workers and business people in Canada should also get an opportunity to work with other countries.)

Dhalla has been working with the Liberal Party since she was 14. Her leadership’s campaign focuses on rebuilding the Liberal Party and Canada. Her slogan, ‘Canada’s comeback starts now’ reflects her commitment to addressing the country’s challenges. In response to criticism from Pierre Poilievre regarding the Liberal Party’s damaging impact on the Canadian society and economy, Dhalla outlined her initiatives to address crime, housing and food prices, and taxation.

Finally, she aims to create a competitive economy that supports businesses, entrepreneurs, and young people. With her international experience, she hopes to restore Canada’s reputation on the world stage and build strong partnerships with other countries. She said, “It’s important that we bring Canada back to the country that was very respected on the world stage, that we work with other countries to ensure that we continue to build great partnerships and great relationships.”
 

Washington:

Canada vowed strong pushback while Mexico urged calm on Tuesday in the face of US President Donald Trump’s trade threats that risk throwing their economies into disarray.

The US president has accused both neighbors of being lax in preventing migrants and illicit drugs from coming into the United States, and called for a tightening of the borders.

Hours after taking his oath of office on Monday, he signaled that 25 percent punitive tariffs against the United States’ two major trading partners could come as early as February 1.

He also said he would order troops to its border with Mexico to stem migrant flows.

“Canada will respond and everything is on the table,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told a news conference, adding that Ottawa’s reaction would be “robust and rapid and measured,” but also match dollar for dollar the US tariffs on Canadian imports.

A Canadian government source told AFP that Ottawa is considering higher duties on US goods including steel products, ceramics like toilets and sinks, glassware and orange juice — in a first phase of tariffs that could be extended.

Provincial and opposition leaders have also called for blocking exports of Canadian oil, electricity and critical minerals.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, meanwhile, downplayed the tariff threat while urging calm in the face of Trump’s announcement of severe new restrictions on migration.

“It’s important to always keep a cool head and refer to signed agreements, beyond actual speeches,” she said at her regular morning conference.

– Bad neighbors –

Trump defended the tariffs on his first day in office, telling reporters as he signed an array of executive orders that Canada and Mexico are allowing “vast numbers of people to come in, and fentanyl to come in.”

He signed an order directing agencies to study a host of trade issues including deficits, unfair practices and currency manipulation.

These could pave the way for further duties.

Sheinbaum, who has reacted to months of threats from Trump with a mix of pragmatism and firmness, noted that several of the measures dated from Trump’s first mandate.

On trade, Canada and Mexico are theoretically protected by the Canada-United States-Mexico Free Trade Agreement (USMCA), signed during Trump’s first term and hailed as “the best and most important trade agreement ever signed by the United States.”

The pact replaced an earlier continental trade agreement from the 1990s and included new labor provisions aimed in particular at improving worker rights in Mexico.

It is due to be reviewed in 2026.

“For now, the trade treaty remains in effect,” Sheinbaum noted.

Mexico leapfrogged China in 2023 to become the United States’s largest trading partner. That year, the American trade deficit with Mexico rose to US$150 billion.

Trade conflicts between the three signatories have multiplied in recent years, concerning for example American genetically modified corn, Canadian dairy products, and trade in auto parts.

Trudeau on Tuesday warned that a trade war would cost the United States, but also “there will be costs for Canadians.”

“This is a crucial moment for Canada and Canadians,” he said.

According to economists, a trade war could plunge Canada — which sends approximately 75 percent of its exports to the United States, led by its energy and auto sectors — into a recession.

One scenario from Scotiabank suggests that any bilateral trade disruption could slash more than five percent from Canadian GDP, increase unemployment significantly and fuel inflation.

US GDP could fall by 0.9 percent, analyst Jean-François Perrault said in a research note.

According to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, tit-for-tat tariffs would cause Canadian GDP to fall by 2.6 percent, while American GDP would suffer a decline of 1.6 percent.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Chandra Arya, an Indian-origin Member of Parliament for Nepean, has officially entered the race for Prime Minister of Canada after filing a nomination and addressing the House in Kannada.

Chandra Arya, a native of Tumkur district in Karnataka, did his MBA from Dharwad before moving to Canada. Earlier this week, he announced that he was running for the position of Prime Minister of Canada.

Recently, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced to step down but assured to remain in the post till a new leader is selected.

“Our nation faces structural challenges that require tough solutions. We must make bold political decisions to secure prosperity for our children and grandchildren,” he wrote on the social media platform X on January 13.

I am running for the position of Prime Minister of Canada.
Our nation faces structural challenges that require tough solutions.
We must make bold political decisions to secure prosperity for our children and grandchildren.
I have outlined everything in the statement provided… pic.twitter.com/bIdK0RFX18

— Chandra Arya (@AryaCanada) January 12, 2025

Arya, who is slamming Khalistan supporters for celebrating the assassination of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and condemning the defacing of Hindu temples in Canada, has already announced that he will run for the Liberal leadership with a campaign promising to make the country “a sovereign republic” with bold political decisions, not optional but a necessity now.

“I am running to be the next Prime Minister of Canada to lead a small, more efficient government to rebuild our nation and secure prosperity for future generations,” Arya, who was described by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar as a genuine advocate of India, wrote on X.

“We are facing significant structural problems that haven’t been seen for generations and solving them will require tough choices. I have always worked hard for what is best for Canadians, and for the sake of our children and grandchildren, we must make bold decisions that are absolutely necessary. If elected as the next Leader of the Liberal Party I offer my knowledge and expertise to do so,” his post read.

Admitting that the nation is facing a “perfect storm”, Arya, who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi in August last year, said, “Many Canadians, especially younger generations, face significant affordability issues. The working middle class is struggling today, and many working families are retiring directly into poverty.”

Arya believes India is a significant and growing market for Canada’s exports and investments, and it serves as a key source for fulfilling “our critical talent needs”.

“Canada deserves leadership that isn’t afraid to make the big decisions. Decisions that rebuild our economy, restore hope, create equal opportunities for all Canadians, and secure prosperity for our children and grandchildren. Bold political decisions are not optional — they are necessary. With prudence and pragmatism as my guiding principles, I’m stepping forward to take on this responsibility and lead Canada as its next Prime Minister,” he has said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Chandra Arya, an Indian-origin Member of Parliament for Nepean, has officially entered the race for Prime Minister of Canada after filing a nomination and addressing the House in Kannada.

Chandra Arya, a native of Tumkur district in Karnataka, did his MBA from Dharwad before moving to Canada. Earlier this week, he announced that he was running for the position of Prime Minister of Canada.

Recently, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced to step down but assured to remain in the post till a new leader is selected.

“Our nation faces structural challenges that require tough solutions. We must make bold political decisions to secure prosperity for our children and grandchildren,” he wrote on the social media platform X on January 13.

I am running for the position of Prime Minister of Canada.
Our nation faces structural challenges that require tough solutions.
We must make bold political decisions to secure prosperity for our children and grandchildren.
I have outlined everything in the statement provided… pic.twitter.com/bIdK0RFX18

— Chandra Arya (@AryaCanada) January 12, 2025

Arya, who is slamming Khalistan supporters for celebrating the assassination of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and condemning the defacing of Hindu temples in Canada, has already announced that he will run for the Liberal leadership with a campaign promising to make the country “a sovereign republic” with bold political decisions, not optional but a necessity now.

“I am running to be the next Prime Minister of Canada to lead a small, more efficient government to rebuild our nation and secure prosperity for future generations,” Arya, who was described by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar as a genuine advocate of India, wrote on X.

“We are facing significant structural problems that haven’t been seen for generations and solving them will require tough choices. I have always worked hard for what is best for Canadians, and for the sake of our children and grandchildren, we must make bold decisions that are absolutely necessary. If elected as the next Leader of the Liberal Party I offer my knowledge and expertise to do so,” his post read.

Admitting that the nation is facing a “perfect storm”, Arya, who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi in August last year, said, “Many Canadians, especially younger generations, face significant affordability issues. The working middle class is struggling today, and many working families are retiring directly into poverty.”

Arya believes India is a significant and growing market for Canada’s exports and investments, and it serves as a key source for fulfilling “our critical talent needs”.

“Canada deserves leadership that isn’t afraid to make the big decisions. Decisions that rebuild our economy, restore hope, create equal opportunities for all Canadians, and secure prosperity for our children and grandchildren. Bold political decisions are not optional — they are necessary. With prudence and pragmatism as my guiding principles, I’m stepping forward to take on this responsibility and lead Canada as its next Prime Minister,” he has said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Justin Trudeau. File
| Photo Credit: Reuters

Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday (January 16, 2025) the formation of a Canada-U.S. relations council to support the federal government as it deals with incoming U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada.

The 18-member council is composed of representatives from the automotive industry, the nuclear power sector, agriculture and the labor movement.

Among the members are Steve Verheul, Canada’s chief trade negotiator during the renegotiation of NAFTA, and former provincial premiers Jean Charet (Quebec), Rachel Notley (Alberta) and Stephen McNeil (Nova Scotia).

Canada’s Ambassador to the United States Kirsten Hillman, former ambassador David MacNaughton and Jody Thomas, the prime minister’s former national security adviser, are also joining the council.

“The council will use sectoral expertise to support the prime minister and cabinet at this important time in the Canada-U.S. relationship,” said a statement from the Prime Minister’s office.

Following a meeting with Canada’s premiers Wednesday, Mr. Trudeau said no decision has been made about what goods Canada might be targeted in retaliation should Trump apply tariffs.

“We are all united on one thing, which is we will stand up for Canada,” Mr. Trudeau said. “We will protect Canadians. We will make sure that we are there to show what this country is made of.”

“If the American administration moves forward with its plans on tariffs, it will, first and foremost, hurt American citizens and American consumers, but it will also hurt Canadians,” he added.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that he will not be running in the upcoming federal elections, scheduled for October this year. This decision comes after Trudeau stated last week that he would step down as Prime Minister as soon as his Liberal Party chooses a new leader. “In terms of my own decisions, I will not be running in the upcoming election,” Trudeau said during a press conference in Ottawa.

Trudeau expressed uncertainty about his future after leaving politics, stating, “As to what I might be doing later, I honestly haven’t had much time to think about that at all. I am entirely focused on doing the job that Canadians elected me to do in an extraordinarily pivotal time right now.” He also met with Canada’s premiers, the ambassador to the US, and some federal cabinet ministers to discuss how Canada would respond to Trump’s tariff threats.

After serving as Prime Minister for over nine years, Trudeau faced pressure from the opposition and within his party to resign. This pressure intensified after the resignation of his finance minister, Chrystia Freeland. Trudeau announced, “I intend to resign as party leader, as Prime Minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust nationwide competitive process”.

The process to replace Trudeau has not officially begun, but some well-known Liberal faces have started announcing their intentions to run. Interested candidates must notify the party and make an initial payment by January 23, and the party’s new leader will be announced on March 9. Former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney and former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland are expected to be leading contenders.

Trudeau will remain Prime Minister until the Liberal leadership election concludes in March and plans to serve as a member of Parliament until the next federal elections are held. However, he will cease to be an MP in the new Parliament if he does not contest and win in the election.
 

Canadian officials say that if Donald Trump follows through with his threat of punishing tariffs, Canada would consider slapping retaliatory tariffs on American orange juice, toilets and some steel product. File
| Photo Credit: Reuters

Canada’s outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Sunday (January 12, 2025) suggested that President-elect Donald Trump’s remarks about Canada becoming America’s “51st state” has distracted attention from the harm that steep tariffs would inflict on U.S. consumers.

Mr. Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on all Canadian imports.

“The 51st state, that’s not going to happen,” Mr. Trudeau said in an interview with MSNBC. “But people are talking about that, as opposed to talking about what impact 25% tariffs (has) on steel and aluminum coming into the United States.”

Mr. Trudeau told MSNBC: “No American wants to pay 25% more for electricity or oil and gas coming in from Canada. That’s something I think people need to pay a little more attention to.”

Mr. Trump has also said that if Canada merged with the U.S., taxes would decrease and there would be no tariffs.

“I know that as a successful negotiator he likes to keep people off balance,” Mr. Trudeau said of Mr. Trump’s threats to use economic force to turn Canada into the 51st state. Mr. Trump has also erroneously cast the U.S. trade deficit with Canada — a natural resource-rich nation that provides the U.S. with commodities like oil — as a subsidy.

Canadian officials say that if Mr. Trump follows through with his threat of punishing tariffs, Canada would consider slapping retaliatory tariffs on American orange juice, toilets and some steel products. Already during Mr. Trump’s first term in the White House, Canada responded to Mr. Trump’s tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum with its own on American products like bourbon, Harley Davidson motorcycles and playing cards.

“He got elected to try and make life easier for all Americans, to support American workers,” Mr. Trudeau said of Mr. Trump. “These (tariffs) are things that are going to hurt them.”

Mr. Trump said last week that the U.S doesn’t need oil, or anything else, from Canada. But almost a quarter of the oil that the U.S. consumes each day comes from Canada. The energy-rich western province of Alberta exports 4.3 million barrels of oil a day to the U.S.

Data from the United States Energy Information Administration shows that the U.S. consumes 20 million barrels a day, and produces about 13.2 million barrels a day.

Canada, a founding partner of NATO and home to more than 40 million people, is also the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $2.7 billion worth of goods and services cross the border each day.

Mr. Trump has said that he would reconsider his tariff threat if Canada made improvements in managing security at the Canada-U.S. border, which he and his advisers see as a potential entry point for undocumented migrants.

Mr. Trudeau has said that less than 1% of illegal immigrants and fentanyl cross into the U.S. from Canada.

But after a meeting last November with Mr. Trump at Mar-a-Lago, the president-elect’s private club and residence in Florida, Mr. Trudeau announced an increase in spending on border security, expressing willingness to address Mr. Trump’s concerns in hopes that he would reconsider his tariff threat.

With the challenge of Mr. Trump’s second administration looming and Mr. Trudeau’s party trailing badly in the polls, the beleaguered Canadian prime minister announced his resignation last Monday (January 6, 2025). He will be replaced on March 9, when his Liberal party is set to pick a new leader.

New Delhi:

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has sent firefighting resources to California as the state grapples with devastating wildfires. This comes despite the ongoing verbal duel between US President-elect Donald Trump and the outgoing Canadian Prime Minister.

Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of making Canada the “51st American state,” while Trudeau has dismissed any such possibility.

On Thursday, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Canadian PM shared a video showing a Canadian waterbomber dousing flames in Los Angeles County ravaged by wildfires. He captioned the post, “Neighbours helping neighbors.” Interestingly, he used British and American spellings for “neighbours”, perhaps underlining the distinction between the two countries.

Neighbours helping neighbors. ????????????????pic.twitter.com/qRuEsu31T0

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 9, 2025

“Canada is mobilizing to help fight the wildfires in southern California. Canadian water bombers are already in action. 250 firefighters are ready to deploy,” Trudeau wrote in a follow-up post, adding, “To our American neighbours: Canada’s here to help.”

Canada is mobilizing to help fight the wildfires in southern California. Canadian water bombers are already in action. 250 firefighters are ready to deploy. The @CanadianForces are standing by to move personnel and equipment.

To our American neighbours: Canada’s here to help.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 9, 2025

What Trump said

In recent weeks, Trump has repeatedly provoked Canada with his proposal to merge it into America as the 51st state. He has even hinted at deploying financial pressure to bring Canada under US control. Following Trudeau’s resignation a few days ago, Trump intensified his call for a United States-Canada merger.

“Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State. The United States can no longer suffer the massive Trade Deficits and Subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat. Justin Trudeau knew this, and resigned. If Canada merged with the U.S., there would be no Tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE from the threat of the Russian and Chinese Ships that are constantly surrounding them. Together, what a great Nation it would be,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

In a sharp response, Trudeau said there was “a snowball’s chance in hell” that Canada would become part of the United States. “Workers and communities in both our countries benefit from being each other’s biggest trading and security partner,” he added.

California Wildfires

The wildfire situation in Los Angeles remains dire. According to a CNN report, at least seven people have died, and over 10,000 structures have been destroyed. The fires, fuelled by fierce Santa Ana winds, continue to spread across the region, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate.

The most destructive blaze, the Palisades Fire, has ravaged coastal areas, while the Eaton Fire has swept through communities near the Angeles National Forest, reported CNN. While firefighters made some progress on January 9 as winds weakened, officials said that gusts were expected to pick up again.