Naija247news: Canada Fumes as Trump’s Tariff War Escalates, Joly Warns of ‘Existential Threat’
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!March 5, 2025 (Naija247news) – Canada’s Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has slammed U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about making Canada the 51st U.S. state, warning that the issue is no longer a joke. Speaking to BBC Newsnight, Joly said, “This is not a joke anymore. There’s a reason why Canadians are booing the American national anthem at hockey games… We’re insulted. We’re mad. We’re angry.”
The frustration comes after Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian imports to the U.S. on Tuesday, prompting a sharp response from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who called it a “very dumb thing to do.” In retaliation, Canada announced counter-tariffs on U.S. goods.
Despite U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick hinting at a possible deal to ease the tariffs, Joly remained skeptical, stating, “At the end of the day, the only one that really takes a decision is President Trump.” She also confirmed that no U.S. administration officials had reached out to Canadian counterparts to discuss the issue.
Economic Fallout and Retaliation
The tariff war has already triggered economic countermeasures. Ontario Premier Doug Ford implemented a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to three U.S. states—Michigan, New York, and Minnesota—and warned that Canada might cut off power supplies altogether if the trade dispute worsens.
Trump’s broader tariff measures have also targeted Mexico and China, with a 10% tariff imposed on Chinese goods worth over $800 in February, which was doubled in March. The White House justified the tariffs as a means of holding trading partners accountable for illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl into the U.S.—an accusation Trudeau rebuffed, stating that Canada is responsible for less than 1% of fentanyl entering the U.S.
Canada Seeks Alliances Amid Growing Trade Tensions
Joly warned that Canada is the “canary in the coal mine,” predicting that Europe and the UK would soon face similar trade pressures. She emphasized the need for cooperation between Canada and Britain, saying, “That’s also why I went to London—to make sure that if there are tariffs imposed, we should work on counter-tariffs together.”
Despite escalating tensions, Joly insisted that Canada’s frustration is not aimed at the American people. “We’re the best friends of the American people,” she said, but called Trump’s tariffs an “existential threat” to Canada’s economy.
“We cannot let our guard down,” she stressed. “We need to make sure that we fight back.”
