Tariffs: “We are going to support the industries, the workers,” says Dominic LeBlanc

Federal Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Prime Minister Doug Ford seemed encouraged after a preparatory meeting for the meeting of Canadian prime ministers on the threat of tariffs on Wednesday in Ottawa. Both described the meeting as “positive”.

The conversation was: what are the options, in terms of response, what can we do together, the premiers of the provinces and territories with the federal government.

The minister stressed that it was important to reassure Canadians, the citizens of Ontario, that we will work together, that we will support Canadian industries, Canadian workers in the face of threats of customs tariffs.

Concerning Canada’s response possibilities, it is certain that all options will be consideredadded Minister LeBlanc.

Our obligation is to work together to support the economy, but also to respond in a firm and united manner.

For his part, Doug Ford described the border security plan as solid. The numbers I have seen are impressive and the plan is impressive too.

He welcomed the approach pragmatic of the federal minister, adding that he had a very high opinion of him.

Up to 500,000 jobs lost?

Earlier in the day, the Ontario premier said imposing tariffs on Canadian imports to the United States could result in the loss of half a million jobs in Ontario and require spending tens of billions of dollars. dollars to support the province’s economy.

Mr. Ford explained that the ministries had told him that the number of jobs affected could vary from 450,000 to 500,000, depending on the sectors targeted.

These tariffs will affect everyone, he warned. Even if they think that their sector will not be affected, it will have indirect repercussions on them.

It’s going to be similar to what we faced during the pandemic, when businesses were struggling. We took action and we took care of the workers and people of Ontario. And that’s exactly what we’re going to do.

Mr. Ford has warned he may have to spend tens of billions of dollars to counter the effects of U.S. tariffs on Ontario.

Dominic LeBlanc said he had been briefed on projections from the Department of Finance and had held discussions with bank economists, but declined to comment on possible job losses. We cannot speculate on the number of jobs, in which sectors, at what time, he said. Across the country there could be different impacts.

Possibility of early elections in Ontario

The Ontario Prime Minister suggested, just like on Monday, that he was considering calling an early election so that voters would have the opportunity to vote on his recovery plan. The decision to call Ontarians to the polls, he adds, has not yet been made.

Minister Dominic LeBlanc also did not want to comment on the possibility of early elections in Ontario.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who will be sworn in Monday, said in November he would sign an executive order imposing 25% tariffs on all Canadian and Mexican goods upon taking office.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office announced that a cabinet retreat was planned for January 20 and 21 to discuss defending Canadian interests in the face of Mr. Trump’s tariff threat.

In recent weeks, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has given numerous interviews to American media in the hope of convincing Donald Trump to abandon his plan.

He also proposed a strategy of fortress America-Canadaa strategic alliance notably affecting the energy and critical minerals sectors.

With information from The Canadian Press