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Canada announced counter-tariffs ranging from 15 to 50 per cent on US goods Tuesday, dramatically escalating the trade conflict between the neighbouring nations.
The retaliatory duties take effect September 8 in response to US President Donald Trump’s 50 per cent tariffs that began Saturday.
The new Canadian duties mirror US rate tiers and target $20 billion in imports across steel, aluminium, dairy, and consumer goods.
To soften the economic blow to domestic sectors, Canada’s government launched a $5.4 billion aid package for impacted workers and businesses.
Canadian officials framed the response as a necessary defence of national sovereignty and economic interests.
Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne called the crisis “an unprecedented challenge imposed on Canada,” declaring that “Canada will meet the moment.” Industry Minister Melanie Joly similarly pledged to “fight back” against future tariff threats.
Tensions flared further as negotiators failed to reach a consensus before the deadline.
Prime Minister Mark Carney revealed that US negotiators pushed last-minute restrictions on Canadian trade policies with other countries and made unacceptable “threats” to French language rights and “Quebec culture.”
Trump denied the accusations, accusing Carney of lying while publicly suggesting renaming Lake Ontario to “Lake America.”
