Canadians must 'stand up' in midst of Trump's tariff threat: Ford

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OTTAWA — All options are on the table.

Canada’s first ministers emerged optimistic following Wednesday’s long-awaited meeting in Ottawa with the prime minister and key cabinet ministers, stressing the importance of unity.

Canada’s 13 provincial and territorial premiers descended on Ottawa on Wednesday to discuss looming tariffs threatened late last year by President-elect Donald Trump, who takes the oath of office next week.

“I just can’t emphasize enough, about staying united as Canadians and standing up against these tariffs,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford during the post-meeting news conference.

“Things are going to change in a week when the inauguration happens with President Trump and if he moves ahead with these tariffs, there’s never been a time that’s more important for Canadians to be united, to stand up, and making sure our voices are heard.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters they had an “excellent discussion,” and said each first minister brought their perspectives to the meeting.

“We will stand up for Canada,” Trudeau said. “We will protect Canadians, who will make sure we are there to show what this country is made of.”

At the same time, Trudeau said all agreed that no single region should bear any disproportional impact.

“We have made it very clear that everything is on the table as potential responses, but we’ve also been very clear that it has to be fair across the country,” Trudeau said.

“If the American administration moves forward with its plans on tariffs, it will first and foremost hurt American citizens and American consumers, but it’ll also hurt Canadians, so Canadians need to stand together to make sure we’re there for each other, particularly those who may be carrying a heavier load.”

Heading into the meeting Wednesday morning, some premiers were divided on how best to handle the tariff threat, and if retaliatory measures were warranted.

Ford, who has been vocal in advocating cutting electricity exports to U.S. states that purchase Canadian power, told reporters after the meeting that he didn’t waver in his approach.

“The retaliatory tariffs need to be hard,” Ford said. “We need to send a message when someone comes up and tries to destroy our economy, it’ll be devastating for Canadians.”

Not all premiers felt the same way.

Like his neighbour, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe warned against tit-for-tat retaliation.

“This discussion that we’re having today needs to be beyond escalating this tariff discussion, it needs to look beyond escalating any of the divisions we have in this nation or on this continent,” Moe said before the meeting.

After the meeting, Moe acknowledged the differences in opinions but said it’s important all parties involved know the impact the tariffs will have — particularly the Americans.

“We need to double-down on our efforts in engaging on those fronts,” he said.

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