Following a 30-day pause on US tariffs, New Brunswick will maintain existing American alcohol on NB Liquor shelves but halt further purchases. Premier Susan Holt announced this decision alongside a four-point plan to review government procurement, support workers and businesses affected by potential tariffs, review internal trade barriers, and explore additional protective measures. While some contracts with US companies will be maintained for essential services, the province aims to replace US products with Canadian alternatives wherever possible. This response comes after several other Canadian provinces implemented similar measures, including banning US alcohol and limiting contracts with US companies.
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In response to newly imposed U.S. tariffs, Canadian businesses are emphasizing domestic sourcing. Loblaw Companies Ltd. plans to increase its procurement of Canadian-grown and -made food, while also exploring Mexican alternatives. Shopify intends to incorporate features promoting local purchases within its Shop app for Canadian, U.S., and Mexican markets. These actions follow President Trump’s announcement of 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods, met by Canada’s own retaliatory tariffs totaling $30 billion initially, set to rise to $125 billion.
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In response to Donald Trump’s newly imposed tariffs, Premier François Legault convened a meeting with key Quebec financial leaders. The afternoon session included executives from Desjardins, Banque Nationale, Caisse de Dépôt, Investissement Québec, and Hydro-Québec, along with key ministers. Discussions focused on potential countermeasures, including the possibility of restricting hydroelectric power exports to the United States, a suggestion previously floated by Legault. Further action has already been taken, with the SAQ instructed to remove all American products from its shelves and distribution channels. A press conference is scheduled to follow the meetings.
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Following a 30-day postponement of U.S. tariffs negotiated by Prime Minister Trudeau, Ontario has paused its retaliatory measures. These measures included removing U.S. alcohol from LCBO shelves and cancelling a $100 million Starlink internet deal. While the retaliatory actions are temporarily suspended, Premier Ford warned they could be reinstated if tariffs are implemented. The pause allows for further negotiations and underscores the precarious nature of the Canada-U.S. trade relationship.
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Canada’s expected redirection of aluminum exports to Europe, spurred by US tariffs, represents a significant shift in global trade dynamics. This move isn’t simply a reaction; it’s a proactive strategy born from a growing distrust of the US as a reliable trading partner. The imposition of tariffs has shattered trust, forcing Canada, and likely other nations, to seek alternative markets to mitigate economic risks.
The sheer volume of Canadian aluminum previously destined for the US market underscores the potential impact of this redirection. Canada supplied a staggering 56% of US aluminum imports in 2023, a figure illustrating the significant dependency the US has fostered.… Continue reading
In response to potential U.S. tariffs, the EU vowed a firm response to any unfair trade practices. French Industry Minister Marc Ferracci advocated for a strong, targeted countermeasure focused on impactful U.S. products to ensure effective negotiation leverage. This call for a “biting” response echoes a similar sentiment from an EU spokesperson, emphasizing the need for a powerful reaction. While German Chancellor Scholz highlighted the value of open trade, he also acknowledged the EU’s capacity for retaliatory action. The EU awaits concrete U.S. decisions before finalizing its countermeasures.
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In response to President Trump’s 25% tariff on Canadian goods, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew announced a ban on the sale of all U.S. alcohol products in the province, resulting in an estimated $80 million annual loss for the U.S. economy. This action, fully supporting the federal government’s retaliatory tariffs, is viewed as a necessary response to an economic threat and a challenge to Canadian sovereignty. The province plans to unveil further support for affected businesses and workers next week, with additional economic diversification measures detailed in the upcoming spring budget. Kinew emphasized that while targeting the U.S. government, Manitoba maintains positive relations with the American people.
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In response to newly imposed U.S. tariffs, Premier David Eby announced immediate countermeasures to protect B.C. businesses and workers. These measures include halting the purchase of American liquor from Republican-led states and prioritizing Canadian goods and services in government procurement. Eby framed the tariffs as an “unprecedented attack” on the Canada-U.S. relationship, threatening further retaliatory actions, including potential export bans, if the situation escalates. These actions follow a provincial analysis projecting significant economic damage—$69 billion in losses and 124,000 job losses—from the tariffs. A delegation of premiers will travel to Washington D.C. to lobby against the tariffs.
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Liberal Party leadership frontrunner Mark Carney, former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, vows to retaliate against President Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canadian imports with dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs. Carney asserts Canada will not yield to bullying tactics and that the tariffs will negatively impact the US economy by damaging its reputation, hindering growth, and increasing inflation. This action marks the second time in less than a decade the US has disrupted a major trade agreement with Canada, following the renegotiation of NAFTA. The upcoming Canadian federal election, slated for October 2024, will be significantly impacted by this trade dispute.
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Canada’s Prime Minister has issued a stark warning about impending economic hardship, directly linking it to the potential imposition of tariffs by the United States. He’s made it clear that Canada will retaliate against any such tariffs, suggesting a firm stance against what’s been described as an unnecessarily provocative trade dispute. The implication is that this isn’t just a simple economic disagreement; it’s a battle of wills with significant implications for the global economy.
The prime minister’s warning highlights a broader concern about the instability introduced by these unpredictable trade policies. The current situation raises questions about the long-term reliability of international agreements and the stability of global trade relationships.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood