Trade War

‘Everything is on the table’ in U.S. trade talks: PM Carney; Trump hits Canada with 10% tariffs

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Playing null of undefined
CTV National News: Ottawa facing pressure to tackle new U.S. tariffs

CTV National News: Ottawa facing pressure to tackle new U.S. tariffs

CTV National News: What came out of PM Carney’s meeting with provincial leaders?

CTV National News: What came out of PM Carney’s meeting with provincial leaders?

PM Carney announces power cable investment as Canada pushes to become energy superpower

PM Carney announces power cable investment as Canada pushes to become energy superpower

'We are intensifying our negotiations': PM Carney on U.S. trade talks

'We are intensifying our negotiations': PM Carney on U.S. trade talks

Carney says 'when Team Canada is united there is nothing we can't do'

Carney says 'when Team Canada is united there is nothing we can't do'

'Canada will do 'whatever it takes' on U.S. tariffs: Carney

'Canada will do 'whatever it takes' on U.S. tariffs: Carney

Prime Minister Mark Carney says “everything is on the table” when it comes to an ongoing trade war with the United States, and that Canada will do “whatever it takes to defend and support our families, our workers and our businesses.”

Carney spoke with reporters after meeting with Canada’s premiers in Charlottetown on Thursday, the final day of the provincial and territorial leaders’ annual gathering, as the topic of U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of stacked tariffs on Canadian goods continue to loom large.

The prime minister wouldn’t rule out retaliation against the U.S. if no agreement is made before the new slate of tariffs come into effect next month.

“Let’s be clear about how Canada is responding,” he said. “Yes, we are intensifying our negotiations with the United States in pursuit of a comprehensive agreement that addresses all tariff-related sectors.”

Later in the day, the Trump administration announced it was hitting dozens of countries, including Canada, with tariffs citing forced labour in supply chains. Canada is facing a 10 per cent levy, although products that qualify under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) would not be affected.

The news comes after Trump signed an executive order Monday to impose a new 50 per cent tariff on some Canadian goods, including wine, hockey sticks and cement, for what his administration is characterizing as discriminatory trade policies.

Here’s everything that happened on July 23, 2026:

CTV National News: Ottawa facing pressure to tackle new U.S. tariffs Pressure is mounting on Ottawa to combat new U.S. tariffs. Rachel Aiello reports on Prime Minister Carney meeting with provincial and territorial leaders.

‘Full range’ of retaliation options: Carney

Asked to expand on his comments from Thursday morning that Canada will do “whatever it takes” in the face of Trump’s latest threats, Carney pointed to supports for Canadians and tariff-affected sectors.

He also said when it comes to retaliation if and when the new tariffs come into effect next month, “there’s a full range of things that we can do in that regard.”

“We don’t need to respond in advance,” he said. “In fact, I think it would be counterproductive at this stage to respond in advance.”

“It’s important to know what your options are, to have worked it through, to have shared, as it affects certain provinces or they have perspectives directly, and be united in that response,” he added.

“And I would say, and premiers obviously speak for themselves, we are united in direction and objective and purpose and seriousness about the response.”

Spencer Van Dyk, CTVNews.ca journalist

‘Everything is on the table’ in negotiations: Carney

Speaking to reporters following his four-hour meeting with Canada’s premiers on Thursday, Carney said “everything is on the table” when it comes to negotiations with the United States, if there’s no agreement before the new slate of tariffs come into effect.“

Everything is on the table, depending on the outcome of the negotiations, yes,” he said.

In his opening remarks to reporters following the meeting, Carney also said his talks with the provincial and territorial leaders is an example of “the federation working as it should,” citing the national unity in the face of Trump’s latest threats.

“Let’s be clear about how Canada is responding,” he said. “Yes, we are intensifying our negotiations with the United States in pursuit of a comprehensive agreement that addresses all tariff-related sectors.

Spencer Van Dyk, CTVNews.ca journalist

Prime Minister Mark Carney, centre, addresses Canada's premiers with Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc, left, and Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz during First Ministers meetings in Charlottetown on Thursday July 23, 2026. THE CANADIAN... Prime Minister Mark Carney, centre, addresses Canada's premiers with Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc, left, and Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz during First Ministers meetings in Charlottetown on Thursday July 23, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

Tariffs both pressure tactic, opportunity: PM Carney

When asked if the 30-day deadline for trade talks is a meaningful opportunity to approach some sort of end game with the United States, or just another pressure tactic from the Trump administration, Carney said “it’s both.”

The prime minister shared his two observations on the deadline: “One, we all recognize that the most important thing we can do is to continue to build this economy strong and unite this economy. That’s job one” he said, adding that it’s an immediate benefit for Canadians, and something “we can control.”

“The second is to be united with respect to our trades, our strategy, our negotiating strategy, and our objectives. And part of that unity is recognizing that there isn’t a series of little trade issues: they’re broad trade issues. All of them have to be part of the agreement.”

Kayla Thompson, CTVNews.ca journalist

Trump, Greer, Carney U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Prime Minister Mark Carney are seen in this combination photo. (CP and AP)

Trump hitting dozens of countries, including Canada, with forced labour tariffs

The Trump administration says it is hitting dozens of countries, including Canada, with tariffs citing forced labour in supply chains.

The United States Trade Representative’s office announced the new duties on more than 60 nations today, hours before President Donald Trump’s previous tariff tool was set to expire.

Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom are among the countries getting hit with a 10 per cent tariff, while other nations are seeing a 12.5 per cent levy.

It’s not immediately clear if there is an exemption for goods compliant under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement on trade.

The Canadian Press

Read the full story here

Canada, U.S. share same objective: LeBlanc

Canada and the U.S. share the same goal of stopping forced labour, Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc said Thursday.

In a statement shared Thursday, LeBlanc said the United States’ new tariff policy was not unexpected, as U.S. President Donald Trump’s previous tariffs are set to expire Friday.

“Canada shares the United States’ objective of ensuring goods produced with forced labour do not enter our supply chains. That is why Canada has one of the world’s most robust frameworks to prevent and address forced labour, backed by strong legislative and enforcement measures,” LeBlanc said.

He highlighted Canada’s new legislation designed to strengthen enforcement that was introduced in June.

“We will continue engaging constructively with the United States on this matter, as well as other outstanding issues, over the coming weeks to the mutual benefit of our citizens,” LeBlanc said.

Joe van Wonderen, CTVNews.ca journalist

‘Canada should not be targeted’: Canadian Chamber

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce says that the latest U.S. tariffs are misguided.

“Canada should not be targeted here,” Matthew Holmes, executive vice-president and chief of public policy for the Canadian Chamber, said in a press release Thursday.

“Canada is a leader on this with a formal prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour, more legislation coming to strengthen this regime, and businesses investing significantly in compliance, due diligence and supply chain transparency.”

He added that both Canada and the U.S. want to stop goods coming out of forced labour supply chains, and that the Canadian Chamber has recommended that U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) recognize Canada’s new forced labour legislative reforms, prioritize high-risk goods rather than applying a broad 10 per cent tariff, strengthen U.S.-Canadian enforcement co-operation and clarify if CUSMA-compliant goods will be exempt from tariffs.

Along with the formal submission the USTR, Holmes say his organization is working with Ottawa to as Bill C-35 moves through Parliament.

Joe van Wonderen, CTVNews.ca journalist

peace tower People walk past the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Feds introduced legislation on forced labour imports in June

New legislation to strengthen Canada’s ban on forced labour imports was introduced by the federal government in June. The proposed law would give officials more tools to evaluate and catch products coming out of forced labour supply chains.

“Forced labour is a serious human rights violation that goes against Canadian values, and it undermines competitiveness for Canada and its trading partners,” the federal government said in June. The legislation is titled “An Act respecting the prohibition of the importation of goods produced by forced labour.”

The new act would give the foreign affairs minister the power to establish a list of high-risk goods, identified by region, individual or entity. High-risk imports would need to provide more transparency to customs authorities about their supply chains. If importers fail to meet requirements, they would be prohibited from entering the country.

“Overall, this legislation would support a level playing field for Canadian companies based by preventing goods made with forced labour from undercutting Canadian businesses and protecting Canadian workers from unfair competition from companies that exploit workers,” the government said in their June news release.

Joe van Wonderen, CTVNews.ca journalist

Bipartisan U.S. support in tackling forced labour: U.S. trade rep

The U.S. trade authority says there is bipartisan support for clamping down on forced labour.

On Thursday, The United States Trade Representative (USTR) cited dozens of politicians calling out forced labour supply chains in a social media post.

The USTR says dozens of Democratic politicians signed a letter supporting a crackdown:

“It would also close the door for bad actors now using the lack of inspection and information about de minimis shipments’ contents to flood the U.S. with illicit, forced-labor, fake, and deadly goods – leveling the playing field for domestic manufacturers and workers,” the signed letter read.

None of the cited politicians explicitly called for tariffs, rather encouraging more vigorous implementation of existing enforcement methods.

Nathaniel Moran, a Texas Republican member of the House, said Americans “deserve to know the truth about where their goods come from.” Other Republicans echoed his statement, according to the USTR.

California Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters said: “(W)hen we learn about slavery anywhere in the world, we are opposed to it. There is no justification for it.”

Other Democratic members of the U.S. Congress, including Ilhan Omar, Linda Sánchez, Chris Smith, Nancy Pelosi and Jim McGovern, all condemned forced labour, the USTR said.

Joe van Wonderen, CTVNews.ca journalist

U.S. small business coalition criticize tariffs

We Pay the Tariffs, a grassroots coalition of 1,200 American small businesses, said the real motivation behind the so-called “forced labour” tariffs is clear.

“You can’t address potential forced labour concerns in Côte d’Ivoire by slapping tariffs on Australian wine and Swiss cheese,” said executive director Dan Anthony in a news release. “Yet that is what we are supposed to believe from this Section 301 action.”

But the Trump administration has said the Section 301 investigations already prompted some countries to make changes to end forced labour.

“I am encouraged by the trading partners who have moved quickly to adopt forced labour import prohibitions, and look forward to ensuring their effective enforcement,” Greer said.

In its justification for the tariffs, the U.S. trade office’s report said “Canada has failed to effectively enforce its forced labour import prohibition.”

The Canadian Press

Prime Minister Mark Carney and The Gordie Howe Bridge between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit are shown in a combination photo. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Prime Minister Mark Carney and The Gordie Howe Bridge between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit are shown in a combination photo. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

‘I should have been clearer’: Carney on Gordie Howe bridge deal

After days of conflicting messaging surrounding the Gordie Howe International Bridge deal, Prime Minister Mark Carney admits he could have better explained what was agreed upon between Canada and the U.S.

“I should have been clearer,” Carney said when asked directly by CTV News if he lied about the agreement at a press conference in Charlottetown on Thursday.

Carney was referencing his response in an interview with CTV Calgary on July 12 in which he said money from the bridge would only be shared with the U.S. after debt costs were recovered.

But official details of the deal published late Tuesday – after days of political pressure – does not explicitly mention interest costs or debt payments related to the bridge, meaning Canada will repay its debt but only after splitting net revenue with the U.S. over those first 15 years.

Stephanie Ha, CTVNews.ca journalist

Read the full article here

Smith hopeful deal can be reached before new Trump tariff deadline At the premiers meeting in Prince Edward Island, Danielle Smith said she remains hopeful that a deal can be reached to stave off new tariffs from U.S. President

Smith dismisses using oil as bargaining chip

Despite Carney saying “everything is on the table” in trade talks with the U.S., Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said using oil as a bargaining chip won’t work for Alberta.

However, she says she’s confident in Carney’s strategy for dealing with Trump, adding that she believes Alberta’s diplomacy has helped.

“Part of our success has been that we’ve gone directly to the American businesses and consumers, and they’ve become our advocates,” she told reporters. “They know how valuable it is to have a free flow of energy across the border, how it keeps their consumer prices low, how it makes sure that they don’t have gasoline or aviation fuel or diesel shortages.”

The idea of cutting the U.S. off from Canadian oil is something that should be treated with great caution, said Heather Exner-Pirot, the director of natural resources, energy and environment at the Ottawa-based think-tank Macdonald-Laurier Institute.

Exner-Pirot told CTV News Edmonton that Canada and the U.S. “are interdependent on oil,” which happens to be Canada’s “biggest source of foreign exchange and exports, source of revenue, jobs.”

Craig Ellingson, CTV News Edmonton digital journalist

Read the full story here

B.C. eligible for support if tariffs applied: Eby

British Columbia Premier David Eby says local businesses will have access to a federal emergency fund if the U.S. follows through on new tariff threats.

Eby spoke after the premiers’ meeting with the prime minister, and said Carney told him that affected business in B.C. could apply to a support fund worth $1.5 billion.

The premier says Carney has told him the fund “has not been exhausted,” and he expects that there “should be more than enough in that regional fund,” should the United States impose the threatened tariffs on Aug. 19.

But he also says the tariff plan is already costing B.C. businesses by creating uncertainty, so the sooner the dispute can be resolved, the better.

The Canadian Press

Read the full story here

British Columbia Premier David Eby answers a question from reporters as he, fellow premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney hold a closing press conference at the First Ministers Meetings in Charlottetown on Thursday, July 23, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS... British Columbia Premier David Eby answers a question from reporters as he, fellow premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney hold a closing press conference at the First Ministers Meetings in Charlottetown on Thursday, July 23, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

B.C. won’t put U.S. booze back on shelves: Eby

Eby says B.C. and several other provinces and territories will not put American liquor back on its shelves, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s demands.

“I can tell you in terms of the perspective of those provinces and territories that have taken U.S. alcohol off the shelf, there is no desire to put those products back on the shelves,” Eby said.

“At this point, this is a significant point of leverage for Canada in these conversations, and none of us is moving to put American booze back on the shelf.”

The Canadian Press

Read the full story here

Lantz says premiers working to remove internal trade barriers

P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz said premiers are committed to removing internal trade barriers and expanding that model “more consistently across the country,” a promise Carney made nearly a year and a half ago and on which provincial and territorial leaders have largely failed to deliver.

Despite the MOU signed last week to remove major barriers to interprovincial alcohol sales, barriers on certain goods including dairy, some food products, construction materials and other supply-managed products still exist.

“It shouldn’t be more difficult to do trade between our provinces than it is to do trade between countries. So, in the last 18 months, we’ve made significant progress,” Lantz said.

“It’ll represent big changes for all Canadians and for beverage producers,” he added.

Speaking to reporters following his meeting with premiers, and in a joint statement afterwards, Carney said his Internal Trade Committee will work toward an agreement-in-principle over the summer to help the provinces eliminate internal barriers to labour mobility.

Neither Carney nor Lantz provided a deadline by which the provinces will remove all internal trade barriers.

Kayla Thompson & Spencer Van Dyk, CTVNews.ca journalists

‘Sticking together’ critical for Canada’s future: Goodale

Canada-U.S. Trade Relations Council member Ralph Goodale told CTV News Channel Thursday that the premiers seem to have different tactics and approaches in responding to the U.S.

However, they are united over the “core question” of pulling together and doing what they can against Washington.

“The prime minister has been remarkably successful so far in pulling things together,” Goodale said.

He added that the best thing to do before the new tariffs start is to make the best effort to get a deal.

“We have to make our very best case that it would be sheer lunacy on the part of the United States to shoot themselves in the foot” by making CUSMA ineffective, he said.

Goodale also said Canada must be prepared for any action in case the two sides fail to reach a deal within the next month.

“We can’t rule anything out when we are dealing with Donald Trump.”Goodale added that despite their differences, the premiers say they will “stick together,” which he said will be critical for Canada’s future.

Archie Niari, Journalist, CTV News

Premiers meeting continues as U.S. tariff threats loom Dalhousie University's Lori Turnbull discusses the premiers meeting happening this week in Charlottetown.

Expert predicts PM Carney and premiers may clash

Some premiers may be frustrated by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s non-retaliative approach towards Trump over his tariffs, one expert says.

“He just kind of takes it in his stride and keeps going,” Lori Turnbull, political analyst told CTV News Channel on Thursday.

“I don’t know if that is going to be what the premiers want to hear. I think they want to see a clear plan.”

She noted that the premiers appear “united” over seeing Trump as “a kind of common opponent.”

“But they are experiencing the effects of the tariff war differently,” she added.

At the meeting Thursday, premiers will want to know how the federal government is going to “help them” she said.“They’re connecting (the tariffs) back to things they want to do for their constituents,” she said.

“They will want to keep focus on domestic concerns like health care, affordability, cost of living, the housing crisis, and get answers ... about what’s going to happen.”

Devika Desai, Journalist, CTVNews.ca

Trump’s tariff move ‘intended to put pressure on Canada’: lawyer

The Trump administration’s plan to hit Canada with new 50 per cent tariffs is “clearly a move intended to put pressure on Canada,” an international trade lawyer says.

“It’s a difficult position (for Canada) where the U.S. clearly wants concessions on specific items, but is not as interested in renegotiating a full (CUSMA) agreement,” Ljiljana Stanić, a lawyer at Mccarthy Tétrault, told CTV News Channel on Thursday.

In order for Canada to reach an agreement with the U.S. before the 30-day window expires, Stanić says Prime Minister Mark Carney may have to make further compromises, this time on long-term irritants, including dairy and lumber.

“The prime minister is running into some risk here,” she says, referring to Greer’s warning last month that the U.S. will not give Canada negotiation credits on deals made outside formal CUSMA talks.

“So there’s a significant risk that if we make one-on-one concessions here and there, that that actually won’t necessarily help a deal if it’s not done within the deal framework,” Stanić adds.

Kayla Thompson, Journalist, CTVNews.ca

Tariffs causing “consternation” among U.S. lawmakers: experts

Some American lawmakers are as concerned as Canadians with Trump’s latest threats of tariffs, one political expert says.“

Many of those lawmakers simply weren’t buying it, including members of the president’s own party,” Eric Ham, CTV News political analyst told CTV News Channel on Thursday, of trade czar Jamieson Greer’s testimony the day before wherein he defended the tariffs.

“It’s causing increasing consternation ... we’re now seeing many lawmakers have to figure out how they too can actually move forward.”

Politicians have described the tariffs as “chaotic” and “unpredictable,” he added.

This could put more pressure to get a CUSMA deal renewed as lawmakers expect that the tariffs will compound the problem of rising living costs.“

This is going to put President Donald Trump in a very difficult position,” Ham said.

Devika Desai, Journalist CTVNews.ca

Carney says 'When Team Canada is united there is nothing we can't do' PM Carney speaks ahead of meeting with premiers.

‘Let’s get this done’: Lantz

In their joint communique issued at the conclusion of Wednesday’s Council of the Federation meeting, the leaders of Canada’s provinces and territories also implored the federal government “to maintain a clear, timely consultation process with provinces and territories during negotiations.”

P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz, chair of this week’s annual gathering, told reporters that while premiers have focused their discussions amongst themselves around strengthening each provincial and territorial economy to make the country stronger, “there’s no doubt our conversation with the prime minister tomorrow will have a new level of urgency.”

“I expect we’ll hear his strategy about how to deal with this current situation with the U.S. … I hope we go aggressive and try to make real progress that we’ve been hoping for over the last 12 months,” Lantz told reporters Thursday morning before meeting Carney.

“Put everything on the table, let’s get this done.”

Rachel Aiello, National Correspondent, CTV News

‘Building up this nation’s people’: Kinew

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said maintaining universal access to a working health care system is a crucial part of creating a strong and independent Canada.

“There can be no bigger nation-building project than building up this nation’s people,” Kinew told reporters after talks between the premiers wrapped up Wednesday.

He said improving health care is not just about figures and percentages but taking care of Canada’s older adults who help build the country.

“Team Canada is not just united up against threats to our economy outside of our borders, I’m very happy that this team is united about taking care of people inside our borders, as well.”

The Canadian Press

U.S. booze bans having effect: Kinew Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said restricting the sale of U.S. Liquor in Canada is making waves amid the looming tariff threat from President Donald Trump.

Ontario has ‘most to lose’: Ford

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he is optimistic ahead of the upcoming meeting, but emphasizes he wants to hear a clear strategy from Prime Minister Mark Carney on how Canada will respond to the latest U.S. tariff threats.

“I feel positive… we need a team Canada approach led by the prime minister, and that’s what we look forward to hearing today,” Ford told reporters before heading inside the meeting.

He says he doesn’t expect a finalized plan immediately but hopes one is in place within the next two weeks.

While emphasizing unity, Ford reiterated that “everything is on the table” for Ontario and said the province has “the most to lose right now.”

Jermaine Wilson, Journalist, CTVNewsToronto.ca & CP24.com

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says 'everything is on the table' in tariff response Doug Ford says Ontario is prepared to consider all options to protect jobs and the economy as tariff threats loom.

Houston: ‘Healthy people drive healthy economies’

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said “healthy people drive healthy economies.”

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt added that Canada can leverage her province’s energy exports to the U.S. for Canada’s benefit.

“We want to see all of those connections, all of those regional partnerships that take our assets and energy and offer them up to strengthen Canada’s economy,” Holt said.

The Canadian Press

Holt on premiers' meeting: 'Key goal is to get up-to-date information on trade negotiations with the New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt discusses tariff impacts, premiers' priorities at the P.E.I. meetings, and her message on what's needed for Canadians.

‘Sharpen the pencil, to sharpen the focus’: Smith

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith thinks Canada has “a window” over the next month to “sharpen the pencil, to sharpen the focus,” she said during a press conference Wednesday, wrapping up the premier-only portion of the annual gathering.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe voiced similar optimism about reaching an agreement “in the near term,” given the layers upon layers of tariffs Trump has imposed or threatened on this country.

“This is an opportunity for us as Canadians, and our bargaining team, or our negotiating team … to really intensify those negotiations in the effort to find some type of a reviewed and renewed CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement),” Moe said.

“I’m bullish, but I’m not entirely confident we’ll get there.”

Rachel Aiello, National Correspondent, CTV News

Ford backs Carney’s lead

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says Canada’s premiers will rally behind Prime Minister Mark Carney as they develop a response to the latest U.S. tariff threats.

Speaking ahead of Thursday’s First Ministers’ meeting, Ford said he is not expecting a finalized strategy but stressed the importance of presenting a united front.

“I don’t expect him to have his t’s crossed and i’s dotted, but it’s a Team Canada approach led by the prime minister, and that’s what we’re going to focus on,” Ford said.

“We’ll take his lead, and we all have to be united.”

Jermaine Wilson, Journalist, CTVNewsToronto.ca & CP24.com

Ford calls for united front, urges tough response to Trump ahead of meeting with PM Carney Ontario Premier Doug Ford says Canada needs a united strategy led by Prime Minister Mark Carney and should respond forcefully to U.S. tariff threats.

‘We have to hit them back’: Ford

Ontario Premier Doug Ford also doubled down on his call for Canada to respond forcefully if the U.S. moves ahead with new tariffs.

“We have to hit them back with everything we have until they feel the pain, and we have to protect Canada. We have to protect our interests and our jobs, and our economy,” Ford said Thursday.

The premier also argued U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs amount to a tax on Americans, saying the uncertainty is stalling investment and hurting businesses on both sides of the border.

“We can’t fight on our back foot all the time. We have to take the offence,” he added.

Jermaine Wilson, Journalist, CTVNewsToronto.ca & CP24.com

‘Everything is on the table’: Ontario Premier Ford on combatting latest U.S. tariff threat Ontario Premier Doug Ford says that he hopes all of the premiers can work together in a 'Team Canada approach' in combatting the latest round of U.S. tariffs.

‘The ground is shifting down there’

There may be growing concern among American leaders, Doug Ford suggests.

Speaking to reporters, the Ontario premier noted that economic uncertainty created by Trump’s tariff policies is not a strategy favoured by all U.S. politicians.

“We’re diversifying trade right now … and that’s the reason I’m going down to the U.S. to continue building relationships with governors,” Ford said Thursday.

“And I can tell you one thing: no matter if they’re Democrat or Republican, the ground is shifting down there. People are getting anxious. They want certainty. They want to make sure there’s stability in the U.S.”

Ford added that “as long as he (Trump) continues to fight with his No. 1 customer in the world, that’s not going to be stability.”

Jermaine Wilson, Journalist, CTVNewsToronto.ca & CP24.com

Electronic industry could be among hardest hit by tariffs, expert says

Trump’s latest round of tariffs could mean an especially big financial hit for Canada’s electronic industry, one expert says.

The industry, which exports 90 per cent of its electronics to the U.S., would be among the hardest hit by the tariffs, according to the Electro-Federation Canada, a trade group that represents hundreds of electrical and automation companies.

Cherith Sinasac, the trade group’s director of government affairs, said the tariffs could impact production on both sides of the border.

“Since we signed NAFTA, we have seen an integration of our supply chains for electrical and automation products, both in Canada and the U.S.,” she told CTV Your Morning on Thursday.

The tariffs could derail the recent global push towards electrification and tackling the carbon footprint, Sinasac added.

She said her group has asked the federal government for incentives to secure production in Canada, like domestic content requirements and to continue with investment tax credits to encourage companies to manufacture in Canada.

Devika Desai, Journalist CTVNews.ca Read the full article here

‘Storm before the calm’: Canadian exporters

National leader at KPMG Law, Lachlan Wolfers, called it the “storm before the calm.”

“This is a repeat of what happened with the initial announcement back in February 2025 that preceded the Liberation Day tariffs,” he said.

Lisa McEwan, co-owner of customs brokerage firm Hemisphere Freight says they have been on this “roller-coaster” now for a “couple of years.”

“At this point in time, people are just going to do the wait-and-see,” she said.

In a matter of weeks, however, that cool reaction from shippers could shift into something more feverish.

“A little bit closer to the 30-day timeline, then I do expect a rush of products coming across the border, because the impact, if it hits, is 50 per cent” — with no CUSMA exemption — said Wolfers.

Desjardins managing director Royce Mendes said this fits U.S. President Donald Trump’s “signature style” of “leveraging the American market to force partners into making concessions.”

“It’s a bit like the schoolyard bully that punches a kid and then says, ‘Mommy, mommy, he hit me back,’” added Michael McAdoo, a partner at consulting firm BCG’s global trade and investment group. “Well, you threw the first punch.”

“The fragility of the U.S. economy at the moment, the inflationary pressures, the political cycle coming into the midterm elections — you can see why time may in fact be Canada’s friend on this,” said McAdoo.

The Canadian Press

Canada's premiers hold a press conference Canada's premiers hold a press conference closing the Council of the Federation meetings in Charlottetown on Wednesday July 22, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

Would disrupt fragile pharmaceutical supply chains

Jim Keon, president of the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association, said in a statement that pharmaceutical supply chains in Canada and the U.S. are highly integrated.

“Canada imports U.S.-manufactured generic medicines, including essential hospital medicines, while Canadian manufacturers rely on active pharmaceutical ingredients, excipients, packaging and other critical inputs made in the U.S. This cross-border trade supports patients, manufacturers and workers on both sides of the border,” he said.

He added that a resilient supply chain for generic drugs is critical to patient care, health-care systems and the security of both Canada and the U.S.

Tariffs, Keon said, would disrupt fragile pharmaceutical supply chains.

The Canadian Press

Canadian businesses are ‘in for a rocky road’

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters’ president and CEO, Dennis Darby, told BNN Bloomberg that Canadians are “in for a rocky road.”

Darby says Trump’s latest proposed tariffs hit about US$20 billion which is $28 billion worth of products that have been tariff-free, creating new concern for businesses.

“We’re hearing from companies who we haven’t really heard from much in the last year and a half because they had been mostly exempt,” says Darby, adding that businesses have already been delaying investments because of prolonged uncertainty surrounding CUSMA.

“It adds to the complexity, and complexity of business planning for sure.”

Darby says businesses are now less likely to invest in production, buy new equipment or build new factories because of the uncertainty over where trade with the U.S. is headed.

“In fact, 73 per cent of our members across Canada say failure to get a renewal of CUSMA will lower their confidence and future expectations for the company,” says Darby.

Anam Khan, Journalist, BNNBloomberg.ca