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Canadians Blame Justin Trudeau for Trumps 25% Tariffs
With breaking news today that President Trump will implement 25% on Canada on February 1 many Canadians are pointing fingers at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for the crisis,
Of over 1,000 people surveyed by VOR News, over 90 % frame his actions—or inaction—as key contributors to the current trade turmoil, expressing frustration over perceived missteps in his diplomatic strategy.
Trudeau’s government has vowed to retaliate with Canadian tariffs matched dollar-for-dollar, targeting a broad range of U.S. exports. His administration has declared these moves necessary, describing them as “forceful but reasonable” to protect Canadian interests.
Critics, however, argue the strategy is shortsighted and could provoke further escalation rather than resolution.
Danielle Smith, Alberta’s Premier, has been one of Trudeau’s most vocal opponents, claiming his approach is responsible for the strained Canada-U.S. relationship.
She argues that Canada’s economic dependency on the U.S., combined with Trudeau’s confrontational rhetoric, has contributed to the current standoff. Drawing attention to the $58 billion trade surplus that the United States enjoys with Canada (excluding energy), Smith suggests a cooperative dialogue rather than a tit-for-tat strategy.
Canadians Aprrove of Retaliatory Tariffs
A recent IPSOS poll shows that 82% of Canadians support retaliatory tariffs as a counter to Trump’s actions. This may reflect widespread frustration but also a misunderstanding of the broader economic repercussions.
Smith has pushed back against public opinion, describing the situation as a “temporary problem” that doesn’t warrant risking a century-old partnership with Canada’s largest trading partner.
Smith’s contrasting view is to build bridges, emphasizing mutual benefits rather than retaliation. She reiterated that Canada’s economy, being one-tenth the size of the United States, is far more vulnerable in any trade war.
While Trudeau’s government advocates sticking to a unified national strategy, Smith is taking matters into her own hands. While in Washington, D.C., she met with U.S. governors, senators, and business leaders, making Alberta a key player in negotiations.
She’s urging other premiers to step up as well, reasoning that Canada’s federal leadership is too unstable to effectively negotiate long-term trade solutions.
The pending tariffs have already begun casting a shadow over Canada’s economy. Experts warn of increased consumer prices on essential goods, while the Canadian dollar has notably weakened against its U.S. counterpart.
Industries ranging from manufacturing to agriculture could suffer due to disrupted supply chains, piling pressure on both governments.
Trudeau to Blame
On the U.S. side, higher energy costs and potential inflation loom as Canada supplies a large portion of its oil and natural gas imports. These tariffs risk harming the very consumers the tariffs are designed to protect, shaking confidence in Trump’s promise of economic relief.
The uncertainty doesn’t stop there. Industry leaders on both sides of the border caution against a full-blown trade war, which could have rippling effects across employment, GDP, and diplomatic relations. Economists are quick to point out that no precedent exists for tariffs of this scale.
Premier Smith and other critics blame Trudeau, citing his perceived failure to stabilize relations with the Trump administration. They’ve described his messaging as inflammatory, highlighting how his defensive posture may have alienated U.S. decision-makers.
For example, Trudeau’s public comments about U.S. politics—such as his controversial remarks on Kamala Harris—have added ammunition to the argument that he’s mishandled this delicate moment.
Still, Trudeau’s defenders argue he’s acting in good faith to protect Canadian interests. They point to relentless diplomacy, noting extensive meetings with Republican lawmakers and senior U.S. officials.
With 25% Tariffs set to hit tomorrow, except for a cut-out for Alberta Oil, all eyes are on how both nations will respond. If the United States follows through, Canada’s initial countermeasures are expected to target $37 billion worth of U.S. exports—with potential escalation to $110 billion if Trump imposes additional penalties. Whether this is a wise move or a costly gamble remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, Premier Smith is still urging all provinces to take a proactive role in rebuilding ties with the U.S. administration. She sees this as a chance to double down on energy projects and pipeline expansions before any potential change in government policy halts progress. Her no-nonsense approach offers Canadians a sharp contrast to federal strategies.
