Canada and the United States are facing a renewed escalation in their trade dispute after Prime Minister Mark Carney suspended negotiations with Washington.
The United States has now imposed 50 per cent tariffs on roughly 20 billion dollars worth of Canadian goods. The new tariffs took effect Saturday and cover products including wood, hockey equipment and other goods.
Carney says Canada will respond with matching tariffs on American products beginning September 8. The measures will target a range of U.S. goods, including steel, dairy, appliances, electronics and other products.
The Prime Minister says last-minute changes to proposed U.S. trade terms were unfair and uneconomic and failed to meet Canada’s objectives for a stable trade relationship.
The federal government says additional support for Canadian workers and businesses affected by the tariffs will be announced in the coming days.
The decision to suspend negotiations has received support from Canada’s opposition parties and the Assembly of First Nations.
NDP Leader Avi Lewis says no deal is better than a bad deal, while Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says Canada must continue fighting for tariff-free trade and protect Canadian jobs and industries.
AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak has also expressed support for the Prime Minister and Canada’s negotiating team.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump announced Monday that he is threatening additional 50 per cent tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks and auto parts beginning January 1st, 2027.
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