Prime Minister Mark Carney says his government is having “intensive discussions” with the United States to remove what he calls an “unjustified and illegal” increase on steel and aluminum tariffs.
On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump issued his latest economic wallop to his northern neighbour, signing a proclamation doubling levies on steel and aluminum imports.
Stopping briefly to speak to reporters on Wednesday, Carney reiterated what his office already said in a written statement that there are ongoing discussions between the two countries to chart a new economic and security deal.
“We will take some time — not much — some time because we are in intensive discussions right now with the Americans on the trading relationship,” Carney said Wednesday ahead of a caucus meeting.
“Those discussions are progressing.”
The president argued the doubling in tariffs is necessary to protect national security and industries in the United States.
“They are bad for American workers, bad for American industry and, of course, for Canadian industry as well,” countered Carney.
Trump signs order to hike steel, aluminum tariffs to 50%
In a statement on Tuesday, Carney’s office said all funds collected from Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on over $90 billion, before remissions, of U.S imports will go to supporting Canadian workers and businesses impacted by the harmful U.S. tariffs.
Canadian steel and aluminum industries say doubling the tariffs will have a devastating impact on the industry, which was already dealing with job losses and a drop in shipments to the U.S.
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said the government’s priority is to fight against the tariffs.
“The steel and aluminum industry is key to Canada’s prosperity, and we’re going to be there fighting,” he said.
