Trudeau and his government cronies laughed off Trump’s tariff rhetoric and thought it was in our interests to traipse down to Mar-a-Largo to exhibit subservience. They now think this issue is serious, but the proposed response is still a joke.
Donald Trump's name alone sends shivers down the spines of many Canadians. But remember the Trudeau government’s response to Trump's suggestion that Canada become the 51st US state? They laughed it off as a joke.
I suggested in a recent article that there was no joke in such a threat and to brush it off was at everyone’s peril. I argued we needed to get ready for the fight – whether fighting for our sovereignty or the 25 percent tariffs, Trump continually speaks of.
Trump's threats to slap massive tariffs on Canadian goods exported into the United States are no laughing matter. He’s talking about economic warfare, and now, after acting like giggling schoolchildren, Trudeau and his government have woken up. They are beginning to consider this a serious matter.
BUT THE RESPONSE IS WEAK
The liberal government has proposed a response to Trump’s trade war with a list of goods they might slap tariffs on in return. Toilets, sinks, and Florida orange juice. Seriously? It's like bringing a water pistol to a knife fight.
Is this the best Canada can do? It looks more like a symbolic gesture than a full-on response to a real threat. Can we expect much more from Trudeau and his bunch, who have already shown their weakness by traipsing down to Mar-a-Largo to kiss the ring?
A LOOK BACK
This isn't the first time Trump has used economic weapons against Canada. During his last term, he forced a renegotiation of NAFTA (now USMCA) and imposed tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. Canada responded with its own tariffs, which, together with the US tariffs, impacted both economies.
WHAT NEXT
The situation is serious, and nobody can say precisely where this will end up. However, Trump's proposed actions would significantly harm the Canadian economy, and Canada needs to be ready with a strong strategy. This is not the time to show weakness or any hand.
I am sure the Trudeau liberal government response is providing Trump with a good laugh. Toilets, sinks and orange juice. How weak.
Best wishes ...
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