Today, Chris Forbes, Deputy Minister of Finance, hosted a briefing with Canadian industry and labour stakeholders, as well as provincial and territorial representatives, on Canada-U.S. economic issues. Arun Alexander, Canada's Deputy Ambassador to the United States of America, also joined the call.
During the session, officials underscored that preventing the imposition of any U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods remains the government's top priority-including announcements this week from the U.S. on proposed tariffs on steel and aluminum and potential reciprocal tariffs.
Participants were briefed on continued efforts by Canadian ministers and officials, including the Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs' visit to Washington this week to advocate for the importance of maintaining Canada and the U.S.'s long history of free trade and discuss bilateral concerns. This includes raising awareness in the U.S. of the damage that U.S. tariffs on any Canadian goods would cause to Americans and their economy. Officials also outlined results being delivered through Canada's Border Plan and other efforts, such as appointing a Fentanyl Czar, that will continue to strengthen our shared border and make it more secure.
Officials emphasized that any response from Canada to the imposition of U.S. tariffs will be proportionate, adaptable, and build on lessons learned from past economic and trade disruptions. This will include ensuring supports are available for Canadian businesses to help mitigate economic impacts.
