Staying in Washington to dissuade the Americans, Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly believes that Canada is better organized “at this stage” to launch into the trade war than the United States.
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In a virtual press briefing Friday morning, Mme Joly indicated that Republicans “do not seem to be aware of all the impacts” that the 25% tariffs put forward by Donald Trump would actually have.
In Toronto for a meeting of the new Council on Canada-US Relations, Justin Trudeau declared that Canada will be “ready for a fight if necessary.”
“We are going to be strong and reasonable. Not looking for a fight, but we will be there for the fight if it is necessary,” said the outgoing Prime Minister before starting the meeting behind closed doors.
-Mme Joly indicated that “if the president ever moves forward on Monday, we will be ready” for several “rounds” of reprisals against the Americans.
In the short term, the objective will be to “put maximum pressure, because it is a trade war that President Trump would start”.
In the longer term, continued Mme Joly, Canada will have to consider “diversifying” its export markets and “preventing trade barriers between the provinces in the country”.
President-elect Donald Trump will take office next Monday.
Tariffs of 25% on Canadian exports to the United States could cost hundreds of thousands of jobs in the country.
Canada
