US President Donald Trump and Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
Toronto: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Daniel Smith, Chief Minister of the oil-rich province of Alberta, both believe that Canada can avoid US President Donald Trump’s 25 per cent tariff, which will come into effect from February 1. Trudeau and Smith say that Canada is a super power in the energy sector and America needs the oil and mineral reserves it has. However, Ontario Chief Minister Doug Ford, a key leader of Canada’s manufacturing and automobile sectors, said the ‘trade war’ is 100 per cent inevitable.
‘…then will be asked to remove American liquor from shops’
Ford said in an interview, ‘Trump has declared economic war on Canada. We will use all options available to us to protect our economy. Trudeau said Canada would retaliate if necessary, but he also reminded that he had gone through a similar situation during Trump’s first term, when he successfully negotiated a free trade agreement. Ford said that as soon as Trump implements the tariffs, he will direct Ontario’s Liquor Control Board to remove all American liquor from stores.
‘…but Americans will feel the pain too’
Expressing his intention to fight America in the trade war, Ford said, ‘We are the largest buyer of liquor in the world. And I would encourage all premiers to do the same. A dollar-for-dollar tariff will be imposed on American textiles in Canada. We will also target Republican-controlled areas. Then they will know. Canadians will feel the pain, but Americans will feel the pain too. A message to the countries of the world: If they want to make Canada an example, you are next. He is going to attack you too.
America depends on Canada for many things
Despite Trump’s claims that the US does not need Canada, about a quarter of the oil consumed in the US daily comes from Canada. 34 important minerals and metals are found in Canada which America needs a lot. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the US. About US$2.7 billion is traded daily between the US and Canada.
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