Canada’s Prime Minister Candidate Threatens Trump with ‘Biggest Trade Blow’ Over Tariffs

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Former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, now vying to replace Justin Trudeau as Canada’s Liberal Party leader, warned of severe trade retaliation against the U.S. over President Trump’s new tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. However, as a private citizen, her threats raise questions about their credibility.

Key Facts:

  • President Trump imposed a **25% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum**, effective **March 12**.
  • Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau **called the tariffs “unjustified.”**
  • **Freeland declared Canada would retaliate** with tariffs targeting American businesses.
  • She **proposed a 100% tariff on Teslas** and a **ban on Wisconsin dairy imports** into Canada.
  • Freeland’s goal is to **pressure Trump’s key constituencies** to oppose his policies.

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The Rest of The Story:

Freeland, a longtime Trudeau ally, took to CNN to issue her warning, claiming the U.S. tariffs were “illegal” and “self-mutilating.”

She emphasized Canada’s economic leverage, stating, “We are your largest market… We will use that leverage.”

She laid out a “smart and targeted” retaliation strategy, specifically mentioning Tesla and Wisconsin dairy farmers as key groups Canada would target.

Her argument centered on the idea that by making Trump’s supporters feel economic pain, they would pressure him to back down.

Despite Freeland’s strong rhetoric, she holds no government position and cannot enact trade policies.

Trudeau, who is still in office, has issued a measured response, calling the tariffs “entirely unjustified.”

Commentary:

Freeland’s remarks may sound tough, but they ring hollow. She is not in power.

She is not Canada’s prime minister, nor is she a trade minister. She is merely a politician looking to gain support in her bid to replace Justin Trudeau.

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During her time in office, Freeland played a key role in freezing bank accounts of truckers who protested Canada’s harsh COVID-19 restrictions.

Now, she is using similarly aggressive language against the U.S., but without the authority to back it up.

Trump, on the other hand, has actual power. His tariffs are a reality, and while Canada may retaliate, Freeland’s threats hold little weight.

The real question is how Trudeau will respond, not a politician seeking relevance.

Additionally, her strategy seems flawed. Targeting Tesla and Wisconsin farmers may make headlines, but it’s unlikely to force Trump’s hand.

The U.S. economy is far stronger than Canada’s, and American businesses can pivot more easily than Canada can absorb economic losses.

While Freeland is betting her tough talk will propel her to power, the reality is that Trump holds the cards.

Negotiation will prove a better tactic than engaging in a war on words with him.

The Bottom Line:

Freeland’s fiery rhetoric may play well with Canadian liberals, but it lacks real teeth. She has no power to act, and her threats are unlikely to shift U.S. policy.

If Canada truly wants to counter Trump’s tariffs, it will take more than campaign speeches.

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