According to Bloomberg reporter Brian Platt, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau spoke with President-elect Donald Trump Monday night shortly after Trump threatened to use tariffs on all Canadian products unless action was taken to secure the northern border.
“As everyone is aware, thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing Crime and Drugs at levels never seen before,” Trump said in a statement. “On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders.”
“This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!” he continued. “Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem. We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!”
“Shortly after Trump’s post, Trudeau contacted Trump and the two leaders spoke by phone,” said Bloomberg News reporter Brian Platt.
“According to a source, they talked border security and it was a ‘constructive call,’” Platt added. “Trudeau pointed out that the issues at the Canadian border are minuscule compared to the US/Mexico border.”
Several Canadian premiers are taking Trump’s threat seriously and are encouraging Trudeau to act.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said in a post on X: “A 25 per cent tariff would be devastating to workers and jobs in both Canada and the U.S. The federal government needs to take the situation at our border seriously. We need a Team Canada approach and response—and we need it now. Prime Minister Trudeau must call an urgent meeting with all premiers.”
A 25 per cent tariff would be devastating to workers and jobs in both Canada and the U.S.
The federal government needs to take the situation at our border seriously. We need a Team Canada approach and response—and we need it now. Prime Minister Trudeau must call an urgent…
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) November 26, 2024
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith posted on X: “The incoming US @realDonaldTrump administration has valid concerns related to illegal activities at our shared border. We are calling on the federal government to work with the incoming administration to resolve these issues immediately, thereby avoiding any unnecessary tariffs on Canadian exports to the U.S. Fortunately, the vast majority of Alberta’s energy exports to the U.S. are delivered through secure and safe pipelines which do not in any way contribute to these illegal activities at the border. As the largest exporter of oil and gas to the U.S., we look forward to working with the new administration to strengthen energy security for both the U.S. and Canada.”
The incoming US @realDonaldTrump administration has valid concerns related to illegal activities at our shared border. We are calling on the federal government to work with the incoming administration to resolve these issues immediately, thereby avoiding any unnecessary tariffs…
— Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) November 26, 2024
Vice President-elect JD Vance shared Trump’s message on X, saying “It’s important for our friends and neighbors to not let poison into our country. If they fail to meet this basic obligation they’re going to pay up.”
It’s important for our friends and neighbors to not let poison into our country. If they fail to meet this basic obligation they’re going to pay up. pic.twitter.com/j9kO4eooE0
— JD Vance (@JDVance) November 26, 2024