The New York Times and Wall Street Journal say incoming U.S. president Donald Trump won't slam Canada with damaging tariffs on his inauguration day.
Both U.S. newspapers report Trump will instead sign an executive order today to investigate alleged unfair trade and currency practices by Canada, Mexico and China.
The 60th Presidential Inauguration Ceremony https://t.co/kTB4w2VCdI
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2025
The publications say the White House has confirmed Trump won't be imposing tariffs today, when he's set to be sworn in officially at a ceremony in Washington.
In November Trump threatened to hit Canada with steep 25 per cent across-the-board tariffs in one of his first executive orders on his first day back in office.
Canada says it is ready to respond with countermeasures if Trump makes good on his threats.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulated Donald Trump on his victory as President of the United States.
Congratulations, President Trump. ⁰
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 20, 2025
Canada and the U.S. have the world’s most successful economic partnership. We have the chance to work together again — to create more jobs and prosperity for both our nations.
Ottawa is also pumping $1.3 billion in new resources into border security in the hopes of convincing Trump not to impose tariffs.
Canadian leaders were also there for his inauguration.
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne: As co-lead of the federal government’s Team Canada strategy, the cabinet minister has been connecting with American politicians and businesses since early 2024. Champagne declined to join the Liberal leadership race, saying he is focused on ensuring Ottawa is ready to protect Canadian industry from the trade threats posed by Trump.
The night before.
— François-Philippe Champagne (FPC) 🇨🇦 (@FP_Champagne) January 20, 2025
🇺🇸
La veille. pic.twitter.com/JWX1JjcOfL
Trade Minister Mary Ng: The other co-lead of Team Canada, Ng has also spent the past year connecting with Americans to promote the Canada-U.S. relationship. Last week, Ng was in New Jersey and New York where she met with business leaders and state government officials.
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey: Furey is among the Canadian leaders who criticized Trump’s comments about making Canada the 51st state and using "economic force." Furey, whose province is an oil producer, has said Canada should make sure the U.S. is aware of its critical reliance on Canadian energy but not pull back on those exports just yet.
Ontario Energy Minister Stephen Lecce and Trade Minister Vic Fedeli: Lecce and Fedeli will likely be headed to D.C. with Premier Doug Ford’s "Fortress Am-Can" proposal in hand. Ontario's strategy to counter Trump's tariff threat has been pushing for a deeper relationship between Ontario and the United States, particularly around energy security. Ontario officials estimate the tariffs could cost up to half a million jobs.
Quebec International Relations Minister Martine Biron: Biron is headed south on what the Quebec government calls a "mission to Washington," during which she'll stress Quebec's shared interests with the U.S. She's due to attend an inauguration day reception hosted by Canada's ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman.
Liberal MP John McKay: McKay is co-chair Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group and has met many American legislators over the years. McKay, who has been an MP since 1997, has said he won't run for office again.
