Trudeau, premiers say all options are on the table to respond to Trump’s tariffs

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Canada’s premiers say all options are on the table to respond to U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s threat to impose devastating tariffs on Canada.

After meeting with the premiers in Ottawa today to discuss Canada’s tariff strategy, Trudeau emerged to say they had a “commitment to stand together on a united path forward.”

But the show of unity didn’t last long.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who attended virtually and did not take part in the press conference, said in an online post Alberta won’t be able to support Ottawa’s plan unless restrictions on energy exports to the U.S. are off the table.

Quebec Premier François Legault says all measures are possible, and energy and hydro are possible targets.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said retaliatory tariffs must be “hard” to send a strong message.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 15, 2025