Sign in Subscribe
Tariffs

Canadian Premiers Criticize Carney's Trade Strategy in Face of Punishing Tariffs

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Canadian Premiers Doug Ford, David Eby, Scott Moe, and Wab Kinew have started to criticize Prime Minister Carney's trade strategy in the face of punishing tariffs imposed by the US. The premiers have urged Ottawa to take a tougher stance against the US, with Ford calling for countertariffs and Eby criticizing the federal government over US softwood tariffs that are forcing lumber-mill shutdowns. The criticism comes as Canada and the US resume high-level trade talks in Washington, with the goal of lifting US sectoral tariffs imposed under Section 232 of American trade law.

Key Takeaways:

  • Premiers Doug Ford, David Eby, Scott Moe, and Wab Kinew have criticized Prime Minister Carney's trade strategy in the face of punishing US tariffs.
  • Ontario Premier Doug Ford has called for countertariffs, while B.C. Premier David Eby has been critical of Ottawa over US softwood tariffs that are forcing lumber-mill shutdowns.
  • Stellantis has announced that it will move production of its Jeep Compass to Illinois, forcing 3,000 Canadian auto workers to lose their jobs.
  • Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has criticized Carney for failing to reach a deal with the Americans and leaving 3,000 auto workers in the lurch.
  • Trade talks between Canada and the US have resumed in Washington, with the goal of lifting US sectoral tariffs imposed under Section 232 of American trade law.
  • The premiers are not as united as they were during the 2018 NAFTA negotiations, partly because Trump is doing more tariff damage than in his first term.
  • Brian Clow, who managed US trade as deputy chief of staff to former prime minister Justin Trudeau, said that China is seeking to exploit the divisions between the premiers to further its own interests.

Statistics:

  • US tariffs on Canadian autos and steel are 50% and 45% respectively.
  • The total tariff on Canadian autos has increased to 45% due to the latest US tariffs.
  • 3,000 Stellantis auto workers will lose their jobs due to the relocation of production to Illinois.
  • 700 General Motors auto workers in Oshawa will soon lose their jobs as well.
  • The US has imposed tariffs of 25% on Canadian autos and 50% on steel.
  • The premiers are urging Ottawa to take a tougher stance against the US in retaliation to the tariffs.

Sources:

  • "Premiers, who previously stood united with Ottawa, have started to criticize Carney's trade strategy in the face of punishing tariffs" (Globe and Mail, [no date])
  • "Dominic LeBlanc, the minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade, has also returned to the negotiating table after leaving Washington late last week" (Globe and Mail, [no date])
  • "The Trump administration has imposed tariffs of 50 per cent on steel and aluminum, and 25 per cent on Canadian autos" (Globe and Mail, [no date])
  • "Ontario Premier Doug Ford has called for countertariffs, while B.C. Premier David Eby has been critical of Ottawa over U.S. softwood tariffs that are forcing lumber-mill shutdowns" (Globe and Mail, [no date])
  • "The US has imposed tariffs of 25% on Canadian autos and 50% on steel" (Globe and Mail, [no date])

Read more