Canadian politicians reacted Sunday to U-S president Donald Trump’s announcement he’s about to introduce 25-per-cent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports coming in to the U-S, including from Canada and Mexico. Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne posted on social media that Ottawa will stand up for Canada, its workers and its industries. He noted that Canadian steel and aluminum exports support critical industries in the U-S including defence, shipbuilding and auto manufacturing.
Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-Francois Blanchet said there’s “no scenario” where the U-S will be able to produce enough aluminum to replace what it gets from Quebec before the end of Trump’s presidency.
President Trump is warning any and all countries that fight back against the U-S will face reciprocal tariffs. Trump told reporters Sunday on board Air Force One that quote — “if they charge us, we’ll charge them.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has previously said Canada will target certain U-S industries should any of its exports get tariffed by the U-S.
On February 3rd, both Canada and Mexico were granted 30-day reprieves from U-S tariffs after Trudeau and Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum engaged Trump about their respective border plans.
Premier Tim Houston and the other Premiers from Atlantic Canada head to Washington, D-C this week to talk about the important trade relationship the region has with the U-S. All 13 provincial and territorial leaders will be in the U-S capital to speak directly to American leaders about the benefits of a stable economic partnership in North America. Atlantic premiers will stress the region’s deep historical ties with New England and other northeastern U-S states, as well as the significant integration of their economies. New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt hosted a virtual meeting of the Council of Atlantic Premiers late last week to discuss the upcoming mission.
It was a very successful weekend as Annapolis County Special Olympics hosted the Nova Scotia Special Olympics Provincial Winter Games at 14 Wing Greenwood. A number of athletes were there representing Pictou County.
The Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl 40-22 over the Kansas City Chiefs.
