Carney vows to ‘do whatever it takes’ against Trump’s 50% tariffs

Prime Minister Mark Carney met face-to-face with Canada's premiers in Charlottetown on Thursday, pledging to "do whatever it takes" to defend Canadian workers, families, and businesses against the latest escalation in President Donald Trump's trade war — a 50 per cent tariff on a range of Canadian goods set to take effect August 19.CFJC Today Kamloops+1

"Canadian governments around this table will do whatever it takes to defend and support our families, our workers, and our business," Carney told the room of provincial and territorial leaders, days after Trump signed proclamations targeting Canadian motor vehicles, alcoholic beverages, and dairy products under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930.AM 800 CKLW+1

Carney said Canada is "in a stronger position than we were when this trade war started" 18 months ago, crediting premiers for reducing interprovincial trade barriers, diversifying internationally, and strengthening the domestic economy.CFJC Today Kamloops+1

Premiers Rally Behind 'Team Canada'

Ontario Premier Doug Ford, speaking to reporters Thursday morning, said he backed Carney to lead a unified response. "We just have to stay united. We're a strong country. We're a sovereign country, and we need to fight tooth and nail," Ford said, adding that "everything's on the table" and that Canada must "negotiate through strength."AM 800 CKLW

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Canada has "a window" over the next month to sharpen its negotiating position, while Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said he was "bullish" about reaching a renewed trade agreement but "not entirely confident."AM 800 CKLW

Drawing a historical parallel, Carney noted that the Fathers of Confederation had gathered in the same city 162 years earlier facing threats of American economic pressure. "When Team Canada is united, there is nothing that you can't do," he said.CFJC Today Kamloops+1

Negotiations Intensify as Deadline Looms

Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Chief Trade Negotiator Janice Charette joined Carney in Charlottetown for the meeting. LeBlanc's office confirmed he last spoke with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Tuesday, following a call between Carney and Trump about intensifying trade talks.AM 800 CKLW

The new tariffs would not apply to energy, potash, fish, or critical minerals, but would cover goods previously protected under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, according to a KPMG analysis of the proclamations. A separate 10 per cent tariff imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act expires July 24, adding further complexity to the negotiations.CBC+2

Premiers issued a joint communique calling for a "comprehensive deal that includes the full range of tariff-affected sectors, including softwood lumber, steel, aluminum, manufacturing and auto industries," while demanding Ottawa maintain timely consultation with provinces during talks.AM 800 CKLW