Trudeau believes that Canadian resources can support Trump’s vision for a prosperous US

January 21, 2025 TruthUSA

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau believes that Canada can play a pivotal role in realizing the “golden age” envisioned by U.S. President Donald Trump by offering affordable resources. However, he also asserted that retaliatory measures are on the table should tariffs be imposed on Canadian goods.

Trudeau outlined this strategy at the Liberal cabinet retreat on Jan. 21 in Montebello, Que., where ministers are convening to discuss strategies regarding the new U.S. administration.

Trump, who was inaugurated on Jan. 20, issued an executive order for an “America First Trade Policy,” instructing officials to investigate trade deficits and propose solutions like imposing tariffs.

In the midst of signing executive orders at the White House, Trump warned that he might impose tariffs on Canada starting Feb. 1.

“We’re considering 25 percent tariffs on Mexico and Canada, as they are allowing in vast numbers of people—Canada is a significant offender as well—and allowing fentanyl to enter,” Trump remarked, citing border security concerns.

Trump initially issued the tariff threat in late November 2024, prompting Ottawa and provinces to emphasize the economic integration and robust Canada-U.S. trade ties.

Trudeau highlighted outside the cabinet retreat that Trump aims to instigate a “golden age” for the United States, which he believes necessitates accessible energy, steel, aluminum, and critical minerals to drive the American economy.

“Canada possesses all these resources and is prepared to collaborate with the United States to cultivate a thriving and secure North American economy,” Trudeau affirmed.

Trump bookended his inaugural address with the theme of an American renaissance. He began by proclaiming, “The golden age of America begins right now,” and concluded with “our golden age has just begun.”

While efforts have been made to convince Trump of Canada’s value to the U.S. to avoid tariffs, plans for retaliatory measures have also been drafted.

Trudeau emphasized that “everything is on the table” regarding retaliatory actions and expressed support for the “principle of dollar-for-dollar matching tariffs.”

“We are prepared to consider this approach should the need arise,” he stated.

Trump contends that other nations are exploiting the U.S. through trade surpluses and views tariffs as a means to boost federal revenues and bolster domestic manufacturing.

While enacting the executive orders, he argued that other countries “are coming in and they’re stealing our wealth, they’re stealing our jobs, they’re stealing our companies, they’re hurting our companies.”

“So, you put a tariff on to prevent that,” he reasoned.

Meanwhile, Trudeau argues that imposing tariffs will lead to increased costs for American and Canadian consumers.

During his previous term, Trump had imposed tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, prompting Canada to reciprocate with levies on U.S. steel, aluminum, and an array of goods spanning various products. The trade dispute persisted for nearly a year until both nations reached an agreement and lifted their respective tariffs in May 2019.

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