Trump unleashes tariff attack on Canada

U.S. president Donald Trump delivered on his threats to launch a trade war on Canada.

Several unnamed senior officials told major North American news outlets that a blanket 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods entering the U.S. would be in place by Tuesday.

The White House did not release details or breakdowns across sectors or industries, but Canadian officials say any tariff will immediately harm the Canadian economy and will be met with retaliatory measures.

Trump’s administration said the move was partly engineered to punish Canada for the “flow of fentanyl” into the U.S. even though there were just 82 fentanyl seizure events at northern border crossings logged in 2024.

Trump suggested energy imports would see a 10 per cent tariff, despite his country’s demonstrated reliance on Canadian oil and gas.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and several ministers have promised retaliatory tariffs if Trump followed through on his threats, with an official response from the PMO expected Saturday evening. In turn, unnamed U.S. sources said the 25 per cent number would rise if Canada retaliated.

Trump had been touting false rhetoric around “unfair” trade practices through his re-election campaign, suggesting Canada has been “ripping off” the United States. He has falsely claimed a trade deficit as high as $200 billion, despite 2024 figures from the U.S. Census Bureau showing a deficit closer to $55 billion.

We will update this story once the PMO tables a response.


Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyKootenayNow News Alerts.

John White
John White
John is the Director of News for Vista Radio. He has more than 32 years of experience in journalism, with an early eye cast to digital news innovations. He attends the Online News Association conference every year to learn about the cutting edge opportunities for his team to adopt and adapt.

Continue Reading

cjat Now playing play

ckqr Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

New Glenmerry Elementary poised to open

Just shy of three years after breaking ground, a new elementary school in Trail is ready to welcome its first students.

FortisBC expects energy demand to peak on Wednesday

The company that provides power to much of the West Kootenay predicts electricity use within its service area will peak at 674 megawatts on Sept. 3.

RDKB receives over $1.1 million for FireSmart work

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary has received its largest grant to date for a program dedicated to making local homes and properties more wildfire resilient.

B.C. receives first payout of $936M in landmark tobacco settlement

British Columbia has received its first payment as part of a major tobacco settlement with provinces, territories and former smokers. 

Back-to-school means back to safety

As students across Kootenays prepare to return to school, the local RCMP is reminding drivers to slow down, stay alert, and prioritize safety in school zones.
- Advertisement -