**Trudeau’s Stern Warning: Canada Prepared to Counter Tariffs, Prepares for Challenging Times Ahead**
Ottawa (Reuters) – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated on Friday that Canada is ready to respond promptly and firmly if the United States proceeds with its threat to impose tariffs, cautioning Canadians about the potential difficult times ahead. President Donald Trump has set a deadline of Saturday to impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, citing the need for stronger measures to curb illegal immigration and the influx of the dangerous opioid fentanyl into the United States.
Addressing an advisory council on Canada-U.S. relations, Trudeau emphasized that the country is at a crucial juncture. “We are prepared to react with a response – a deliberate, robust yet rational, immediate response. While it is not our preferred course of action, should he proceed, we will take action,” Trudeau remarked in televised statements, underscoring that all avenues are being considered.
Given that Canada exports 75% of its goods and services to the United States, the economy would be severely impacted by the prospective tariffs signaled by Trump. “I will not downplay the situation – our nation may encounter challenging times in the upcoming days and weeks,” Trudeau acknowledged. “I understand that Canadians may be feeling apprehensive and concerned, but I want to assure them that the federal government, along with all levels of government, stands in solidarity with them,” Trudeau assured.
(Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Promit Mukherjee and Mark Porter)
