LOCAL NEWS, DELIVERED DAILY. Subscribe to our daily news wrap and get the top stories sent straight to your inbox every evening.

Trump and Trudeau to talk as Canada braces for trade war with its southern neighbour

Feb 3, 2025 | 1:03 AM

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to speak with President Donald Trump today as Canada’s leaders scramble to prepare for a trade war with the United States.

Trump mentioned the planned conversation after returning to Washington from Florida on Sunday night and Trudeau’s office confirmed a call is scheduled.

Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford is expected to make multiple appearances on U.S. news programs to push Canada’s case.

Ottawa is imposing 25 per cent tariffs on $30 billion in goods originating in the U.S. — hitting hundreds of items, from meat and milk to carpets and curtains — in response to steep new American levies against Canada.

Trump signed executive orders Saturday evening to hit Canada with damaging duties of 10 per cent on energy and 25 per cent on everything else.

Canada’s initial tariff response takes effect Tuesday, when the American tariffs are applied.

In three weeks, Ottawa plans to add another $125 billion in tariffs on hundreds of other U.S. goods after consulting with industry.

Trudeau says additional non-tariff measures are being discussed by the federal and provincial governments, including some related to critical minerals, energy and procurement.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 3, 2025.

The Canadian Press

<!– Photo: eb97bd401e28e95041f8f166653eb5419e1e16d7c9303a4030a29ca0bbaaa92e.jpg, Caption:

Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford speaks from the podium during a visit to Walker Construction in St. Catharines, Ont. on Friday, January 31, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Power

–>