Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has not ruled out any countermeasures in response to US President-elect Donald Trump’s threat of significant tariffs, particularly on imports from Canada.
In an interview with CTV Question Period host Vassie Kapelos on Sunday, Jolie did not rule out halting energy exports to the United States in response to the threat of tariffs.
Asked specifically whether the government was prepared to cut off energy exports south of the border, Joly said: “What I can say is everything is on the table.”
President Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports when he returns to the Oval Office, which would have a devastating impact on both countries’ economies.
CTV News confirmed this week that Canadian authorities are compiling a list of U.S. products that could be subject to retaliatory tariffs in response to President Trump’s threats, including steel, ceramics such as toilets and sinks, and Florida orange juice. did.
Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford previously threatened to cut off power to the province’s 1.5 million homes in New York, Michigan and Minnesota as a “last resort.”
Mr. Ford later clarified that his comments were meant to stand up for Canadian workers, and this week he struck a more collaborative tone, calling for plans to rely on and build on Ontario’s existing nuclear infrastructure. and pitched an energy plan to provide more power south of the border.
Alberta Premier Daniel Smith, Quebec Premier Francois Legault and Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey all said they opposed cutting off energy exports in retaliation.
The two prime ministers are scheduled to meet directly with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this week to discuss Canada’s response, and will travel together to Washington, D.C., for federal council assignments next month.
Jolie said the question of whether to halt energy exports to the United States will be a topic for discussion between the federal government and the prime minister, and will discuss it with U.S. Republican lawmakers during a trip to Washington scheduled for this week. said.
“Because this is exactly the decision that President-elect Trump will make, and it will have a devastating impact on Canadians,” she said. “So it’s important for those looking at us right now to understand that the threat is real and we’re acting on it. That’s why I want to encourage all political leadership in this country to We are calling on everyone to work together. This is not the time to divide.”
Jolly pointed out that the threat of tariffs was never imposed during the US election campaign, but rather was recently introduced by President Trump.
“We are now reacting to his new rhetoric,” Jolly said.
He also pointed to the tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum that Trump imposed during his first term as president and Canada’s “very specific, very surgical” response, saying, “We are Trump 1.0. “I have experienced the government,” he said.
“That’s what we do,” Jolie added. “But at the same time, 25 per cent of Canada’s overall economy is very important. That’s why we have to put everything on the table.”
Prime Minister Trudeau’s decision this week to resign as Liberal leader and prime minister undermines Canada’s position in negotiations with the United States, as it replaces the country’s leadership during a critical two-month period in bilateral relations. When asked if this was the case, Jolie did not directly answer.
“The prime minister has made a decision,” she said. “Now we’re looking forward and we’re in the lead.”
“What I’m doing is working with Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc to lead our response to the U.S. actions,” she added, continuing to engage with the Trump campaign.
Jolie won’t run for Liberal leadership, plans to focus on Canada-U.S. relationship
Mr Jolie also announced on Friday that he would not enter the race to replace the embattled premier as leader of the Liberal Party.
In a statement posted on social media, she said in her current role, especially in the face of soon-to-be president-elect Trump, “we must dedicate every moment and every ounce of energy we have to protecting the interests of Canadians.” I wrote. Term in the White House.
She said in an interview with Kapelos that she is in almost constant contact with members of the incoming Trump administration.
But he has also criticized some members of his administration who continue to double down on President Trump’s rhetoric about Canada becoming the 51st state, and who seem to think Jolie’s efforts aren’t producing better outcomes for Canadians. When asked if it looked like it would, Jolie said: “We need a strategy.” both sides. “
“That’s the reality,” she said. “My job is sometimes to have tough discussions with leaders and people I don’t agree with, but sometimes it’s about building really good working relationships. And that’s what I do.”
With files from CTV News’ Mike Le Couteur
