Canadian leaders expressed relief that sweeping tariffs were not applied to Canadian products on the first day of Donald Trump’s presidency and that he did not mention America’s major trading partner during his inaugural speech
ByROB GILLIES Associated Press
January 20, 2025, 4: 56 PM
TORONTO — Canadian leaders expressed relief Monday that broad tariffs were not applied to Canadian products on the first day of Donald Trump’s presidency and that he did not mention America’s major trading partner during his inaugural speech.
Trump had threatened to impose sweeping tariffs on Canada, Mexico and other trading partners. An incoming White House official who insisted on anonymity pointed reporters to a Wall Street Journal story saying Trump will only sign a memorandum telling federal agencies to study trade issues.
Still, Trump pledged in his inaugural address that tariffs would be coming and said foreign countries would be paying the trade penalties, even though those taxes are currently paid by domestic importers and often passed along to consumers.
Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc said reprieve is too strong of a word but said he felt good.
“If they decide to take a close look at the U.S. Canadian relationship when it comes to trade that’s a very good thing,” LeBlanc said at a Cabinet retreat in Montebello, Quebec. “Both countries are stronger and more secure when we re