It’s an eleventh-hour deal between our country and its southern neighbour.
Proposed tariffs between Canada and the United States have been paused for “at least” 30 days.
The news follows a phone call between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Donald Trump that took place on Monday afternoon.
“I just had a good call with President Trump. Canada is implementing our $1.3 billion border plan — reinforcing the border with new choppers, technology and personnel, enhanced coordination with our American partners, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl. Nearly 10,000 frontline personnel are and will be working on protecting the border.” said Trudeau in a post on social media.
Trudeau said Canada is making a number of new commitments in addition to its $1.3-billion border plan, which include:
- appointing a fentanyl czar
- listing cartels as terrorists
- ensuring 24/7 eyes on the border
- launching a Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime, fentanyl and money laundering
Trudeau said he has also signed a new intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl and will be backing it with $200 million.
“As president, it is my responsibility to ensure the safety of ALL Americans, and I am doing just that. I am very pleased with this initial outcome, and the Tariffs announced on Saturday will be paused for a 30 day period to see whether or not a final economic deal with Canada can be structured.” Trump offered as a response on Truth Social.
Trump agreed to a similar arrangement with Mexico earlier in the day.
“With the U.S. pausing tariffs, Ontario will also pause our retaliatory measures. If President Trump proceeds with tariffs, we won’t hesitate to remove American products off LCBO shelves or ban American companies from provincial procurement,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
New Brunswick and Nova Scotia also agreed to pause their retaliatory measures following Monday’s announcement.
