Canadian leaders express cautious optimism and readiness amid Trump’s presidency
OTTAWA: So, Donald Trump just got inaugurated, and Canada is buzzing with reactions. Politicians and groups are weighing in on what this means for the relationship between the two countries. Initially, Trump hinted at some hefty tariffs on Canada right off the bat, but it seems his team is backtracking a bit on that.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is all about keeping the strong economic ties between Canada and the U.S. He pointed out that both countries are each other’s biggest trade partners, which creates tons of jobs and investment opportunities. He’s looking forward to working with Trump to keep that partnership thriving.
Trade Minister Mary Ng mentioned that Canada is ready for whatever comes next. She’s been chatting with various leaders and stakeholders to ensure everyone is on the same page. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith also chimed in, saying we need a solid plan for the next four years, especially since Ontario is a manufacturing powerhouse that might be targeted.
Doug Ford, the Premier of Ontario, is feeling a bit uneasy about the whole situation. He’s not ready to declare victory just yet. Meanwhile, Quebec Premier François Legault is taking a more laid-back approach, noting that not being mentioned is a good sign for now.
Goldy Hyder from the Business Council of Canada emphasized the importance of understanding how intertwined the economies are. He believes that educating Americans about this relationship is crucial. Unifor president Lana Payne raised concerns about the uncertainty tariffs bring to businesses, which can lead to chaos in the economy.
Overall, it looks like Canada is bracing itself for the next chapter in U.S.-Canada relations, hoping for the best while preparing for the worst.
