Ottawa, August 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Canadian political leaders have hardened their rhetoric in response to the latest US tariff measures, with Prime Minister Mark Carney signalling that Ottawa remains open to negotiations but will not accept an unequal trading relationship.
Speaking in Quebec, Carney said Canada would return to the negotiating table if Washington approached talks with a more constructive position toward Canadian industries.
“When the Americans go to the negotiating table first, with the right attitude toward our industries and in a true partnership, of course we’ll come to the negotiating table,” he said.
Carney also rejected the idea that Canada should be treated as subordinate to the US or placed at an economic disadvantage.
Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, speaking during consultations in Montreal, called for a firm response and said federal support was being prepared for businesses affected by the 50 per cent tariffs.
“At some point you have to say enough is enough,” Champagne said, while outlining the government’s broader plan to strengthen Canada’s economic resilience.
He said Ottawa’s priorities included removing interprovincial trade barriers, diversifying markets and expanding economic opportunities within Canada.
Former prime minister Jean Chretien advocated stronger retaliatory measures, including export taxes on key commodities such as energy, oil, natural gas and potash.
“If we want to stay upright, we have to hit where it hurts,” Chretien said, arguing that export taxes could shift the cost of the measures onto US consumers and businesses.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford also called for Canada to use all available countermeasures if the trade dispute worsens. He warned that Ontario could restrict supplies of electricity and critical minerals to the US.
“I’ll cut them off,” Ford said regarding mineral shipments. “You won’t get a grain of sand out of Ontario.”
The latest escalation follows the imposition of 50 per cent US tariffs on about $20 billion worth of Canadian goods after prolonged trade negotiations between the two countries broke down.
Carney has previously said Canada’s retaliatory tariffs would take effect from September 8, adding another layer of uncertainty to trade relations between the two North American neighbours.
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