Canadian Premiers Hold ‘Constructive’ Talks at White House Amid US Tariff Threats

Canada’s provincial and territorial leaders described their meeting at the White House as “constructive” as they pressed their case against the tariffs threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The visit marks the first time all 13 premiers have traveled to Washington together, underscoring the serious concerns over a potential trade war.

Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports and a 10% levy on energy, though the measures were temporarily paused for 30 days after Canada implemented new border controls.

On Monday, Trump escalated tensions further by announcing plans to impose a 25% tariff on all global steel and aluminum imports starting March 12.

Canadian Premiers Push Back Against Tariff Threats in White House Talks

Canada’s provincial leaders secured a last-minute meeting with senior White House advisers on Wednesday after a day of discussions with U.S. lawmakers, urging the U.S. to reconsider proposed tariffs.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford described the talks as “constructive,” while British Columbia Premier David Eby said advisers told them to take President Donald Trump “at his word” regarding the rationale behind the tariffs, including border security and trade fairness.

The premiers stressed that Canada is a key economic ally and a secure supplier of energy, metals, and critical minerals. With over 75% of Canadian exports going to the U.S., they warned that the tariffs—particularly on steel and aluminum—would hit Canada hardest. If both metals tariffs and broader 25% import duties take effect, the impact would be even more severe.

Meanwhile, Canada’s Finance Minister Dominic Leblanc met with Howard Lutnick, Trump’s commerce secretary nominee, and National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett to emphasize the deep integration of the steel and aluminum industries between the two nations. “I’m confident we have their attention,” Leblanc said.

Trump argues that the tariffs will boost U.S. domestic production, while White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt reiterated that the measures are meant to protect national security and prioritize American workers.

Canada has vowed swift retaliation if the tariffs proceed but remains committed to preventing a trade conflict.

Trudeau Appoints Fentanyl Tsar Amid US-Canada Trade and Border Tensions

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has appointed Kevin Brosseau as the country’s new fentanyl tsar, aiming to address U.S. concerns over drug trafficking at the border.

Brosseau, a former Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer and intelligence adviser, will take on the role immediately and is expected to visit Washington, D.C., in the coming days. Speaking near the Ontario-New York border, he emphasized Canada’s commitment to working with the U.S. to combat fentanyl smuggling.

Although less than 1% of fentanyl intercepted at the U.S. border originates from Canada, Brosseau stated that “getting the number to zero” is the ultimate goal. Canada is rolling out a $1.3 billion border security plan, including nearly 10,000 frontline personnel, new Black Hawk helicopters, and drones to monitor its 8,890 km (5,525-mile) boundary with the U.S.

The initiative comes as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to use tariffs as leverage in trade disputes. While he recently delayed a threatened 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports for 30 days, his administration has imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, prompting retaliatory measures from Beijing.

Economists warn that escalating trade tensions could drive up prices on products ranging from cars and steel to food and alcohol, impacting North America’s deeply integrated economies.

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