**Trudeau Confronts Trump Over Tariffs Threatening Economic Stability**

Trudeau emphasizes the importance of standing firm against tariffs while outlining Canada's response measures.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has expressed strong discontent with former President Donald Trump's recently imposed tariffs on Canadian exports, deeming them a "very dumb thing to do." Trudeau vowed to engage in a "relentless fight" to safeguard Canada's economy, asserting that Trump has orchestrated these tariffs with the intent to weaken it, potentially facilitating a controversial annexation. "Canada will not become the 51st state," he declared to assembled media.

Trump's administration has enforced a staggering 25% levy on goods coming from Canada and Mexico, in addition to escalating tariffs on Chinese imports. Trudeau announced that Canada would reciprocate with tariffs on US goods and cautioned that a trade war would inflict economic damage on both nations. "This is a moment to respond decisively; fighting Canada brings no benefits," Trudeau stated, stressing that his primary aim is to see the tariffs lifted swiftly.

While Trump defends his tariffs as necessary for protecting American jobs and manufacturing—in conjunction with a wider effort to combat illegal immigration and the opioid crisis—Trudeau countered that only a fraction of less than 1% of fentanyl entering the US originates from Canada, describing Trump's justification as flawed. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum echoed Trudeau's sentiments, affirming that there is "no reason" for such tariffs and hinting at corresponding actions from Mexico.

Trade experts have warned that these tariffs could inflate consumer prices across North America, with fears of a broader trade conflict looming. The levies target three of the US's closest trade partners, and the resulting counteractions could escalate tensions significantly.

Canada's government plans a 25% reciprocal duty on approximately C$155 billion (USD 107 billion) worth of American goods, split into immediate and delayed tariff implementations. Trudeau's Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, highlighted that the tariffs could endanger up to one million Canadian jobs due to the deep interconnectedness of the economies. Employees in various sectors, particularly in car manufacturing, have expressed anxiety about potential layoffs, with workers in Ontario expressing significant concerns about job security.

The Ontario Premier Doug Ford warned that the tariffs could lead to shutdowns of manufacturing plants across the border. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce labeled the situation "reckless," predicting severe economic consequences and inflation.

Provincial leaders in Canada are contemplating retaliatory actions, with Ford suggesting measures could include cutting electricity supplies to the US and ceasing contracts with American companies. Nova Scotia's governance plans to bar US companies from provincial contracts, while Ford has already annulled a substantial contract with Elon Musk's Starlink.

On the global front, China has also reacted to Trump's trade measures with its own set of tariffs, indicating a protracted confrontation in the evolving landscape of international trade.