At Issue Is Canada getting through to Trump on tariffs?
Jan 31, 2025
Chantal Hébert, a prominent Canadian political columnist, joins fellow columnists Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj to dissect the looming tariff threats from Trump. They dive into Canada's strategies and resilience in trade negotiations amid this uncertainty. The conversation shifts to a recent inquiry on foreign interference, revealing communication breakdowns within the Canadian government and raising alarms about democracy's vulnerability. They also discuss the evolving Liberal leadership race, marked by candidate withdrawals and shifting political dynamics.
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Tariff Confusion
- It's uncertain if Trump's tariffs will apply to oil, creating confusion.
- The Canadian government seeks inroads with Trump's circle, not Trump himself.
Unpredictable Actors
- Trump and his advisors are unpredictable and lack expertise, making planning difficult.
- They're making things up as they go along, not following a strategic plan.
Canada's Response Plan
- Canada has a multi-stage retaliatory plan if tariffs are imposed, including financial measures.
- The government is identifying unused departmental funds to support affected industries.