Tariffs Could Hit Canada Soon. Its Ex-Finance Minister Wants to Hit Back
Jan 28, 2025
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Chrystia Freeland, former Canadian finance minister and deputy prime minister, offers a bold perspective as she aims to replace Justin Trudeau. She discusses her resignation, which sent shockwaves through Canadian politics, criticizing Trudeau's lack of preparedness for a potential Trump presidency. Freeland dives into the implications of looming tariffs and the need for a strategic response, emphasizing Canada's economic resilience. She also reflects on the importance of reconnecting with grassroots supporters for a stronger political foundation.
Chrystia Freeland's resignation sparked a leadership challenge in the Liberal Party, emphasizing the need for Canada to prepare against Trump-era policies.
Freeland advocates for an assertive trade strategy, suggesting a retaliation list to counter potential U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods.
Deep dives
Impact of IRS Penalties on Businesses
In 2023, U.S. businesses faced significant financial repercussions totaling $14 billion in IRS penalties due to filing errors. This amount represents a substantial loss that could have otherwise been allocated for business growth and innovation. The penalties often stem from simple mistakes, such as incorrect tax identification numbers, highlighting the necessity for accuracy in tax compliance. Utilizing services like TenCheck can help businesses verify employee and vendor information against multiple databases, enabling compliance and reducing the risk of costly mistakes substantially.
Chrystia Freeland's Resignation and Political Landscape
Chrystia Freeland's resignation from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet in December 2023 created a significant shift in the Canadian political landscape, as she was one of Trudeau's key allies. In her resignation letter, she criticized the government's lack of preparation for the potential return of Donald Trump and the implications for Canada. This pivotal moment catalyzed a leadership challenge within the Liberal Party, with Freeland positioning herself as a candidate prepared to address the unique challenges posed by Trump's policies. Her vision includes a proactive approach to combatting proposed tariffs that could threaten Canadian goods and industries.
Responding to Proposed Tariffs from Trump
Freeland advocates for a strategic response to President Trump's proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, suggesting that Canada should publish an extensive retaliation list to demonstrate economic leverage. She believes that by showcasing a menu of potential countermeasures, Canada can influence American stakeholders, including farmers and manufacturers, to push back against the tariffs. This approach emphasizes Canada's critical role as a major trading partner, even outweighing other countries like China and Japan. Freeland asserts that effective communication of economic interdependence can help mitigate the impact of Trump's tariffs on Canadian trade.
The Future of the Liberal Party and Canadian Sovereignty
During her campaign for Liberal Party leadership, Freeland emphasizes the need for the party to reconnect with grassroots supporters to regain political strength. She acknowledges the importance of empowering party members and proposes mechanisms that allow constituents to hold leadership accountable. Freeland's vision encompasses maintaining Canada's sovereignty and standing firm against external pressures, particularly from the U.S. She denotes this period as crucial, asserting that Canada must strategist to thrive amid the evolving global political landscape and reordering of international relations.
Chrystia Freeland sent shockwaves through Canada when she resigned as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Finance Minister in December. Her public resignation letter blasted Trudeau for not doing enough to prepare for the second Trump administration. Now, she’s running to replace him.
Freeland sat down with Big Take host David Gura in Toronto on Tuesday to discuss her views on US-Canada trade, and how she says she would negotiate with Trump if she becomes Canada’s next leader.