QSA's Week in Beaver & Eagle (#4, 2025)
Canada's U.S. tariff concerns; Joly's D.C. visit; Security clearances at ports; CVD review on softwood lumber; Steel and aluminum exclusion process.

Start Date: 2025-01-25
End Date: 2025-01-31
Top Headlines
Main Stories
Canada's Efforts to Mitigate U.S. Tariffs
The Department of Finance Canada, led by Deputy Minister Chris Forbes, hosted a briefing with Canadian stakeholders to discuss U.S. economic relations. Officials emphasized Canada's focus on preventing U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods. The government is working closely with American counterparts, advocating for investments and results from Canada's Border Plan. The briefing reiterated that the government is ready to support Canadian workers and businesses should tariffs be imposed.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Minister Joly's Washington Visit
Minister Mélanie Joly traveled to Washington, D.C., for meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other leaders to discuss tariffs and emphasize Canada-U.S. relations. The meetings aimed to address the economic impact of potential U.S. tariffs and highlight Canada's actions to protect the shared border.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Consultations on Port Security Clearances
Transport Canada announced consultations to expand security screening at Canadian ports. The initiative seeks feedback on increasing background checks to enhance port security. The goal is to protect supply chains and maintain Canada's standing as a reliable trading partner.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Preliminary CVD Review on Softwood Lumber
The U.S. Commerce Department preliminarily identified TRAPA Forest Products Ltd. as the successor-in-interest to Trans-Pacific Trading Ltd. in the CVD review on softwood lumber from Canada. If finalized, TRAPA will inherit a 6.74% CVD cash deposit rate. Interested parties can submit briefs within 10 days.
Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov
Steel and Aluminum Exclusion Process
The U.S. Commerce Department's BIS is seeking comments on the information collection process for exclusions from Section 232 duties on steel and aluminum imports. Public feedback is requested to assess the necessity and efficiency of the process, with comments due by April 1, 2025.
Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov
Important Updates
Secondary Stories
America First Trade Policy Announced
The Executive Office of the President outlined the 'America First Trade Policy,' focusing on trade deficits and potential tariffs.
Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov
BIS Seeks Input on Section 232 Exclusions
The BIS is collecting public comments on the exclusion process for steel and aluminum imports under Section 232.
Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov
Rescission of AD/CVD Reviews
The U.S. Commerce Department rescinded administrative reviews of AD and CVD orders for various products due to withdrawal requests.
Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov
Press Briefing Highlights
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt briefed on President Trump's policies, including tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China.
Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov
Trump Discusses Statehood for Canada
President Trump suggested Canada should become a U.S. state to resolve trade imbalances.
Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov
Provincial Announcements
Alberta's U.S. Partnership Mission
Alberta MLAs will visit Oregon to strengthen Alberta-U.S. ties, focusing on energy security and trade.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca
B.C.'s Cabinet Committee Against Tariffs
B.C. established a cabinet committee to coordinate responses to U.S. tariff threats, aiming to protect the provincial economy.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca
Alberta's Border Security Initiatives
Alberta announced increased border security measures in response to U.S. concerns, including a new Interdiction Patrol Team.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca
Ontario's Investment in Job Training
Ontario is investing an additional $100 million in job training to counter potential U.S. tariffs.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca
B.C.'s Economic Forecast Amid Tariff Uncertainty
B.C.'s Economic Forecast Council noted the province is well-positioned despite potential U.S. tariffs.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca
Ontario Secures $1 Billion Automotive Investment
Ontario welcomed a $1 billion investment from Linamar Corporation to strengthen the automotive supply chain.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca
Public Officials' Social Media
Trudeau on Economic Partnership with U.S.
Justin Trudeau highlighted the importance of a strong economic partnership with the U.S. amid President Trump’s plans.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
Trudeau on Canada-U.S. Trade
Justin Trudeau emphasized the value of the Canada-U.S. trade relationship, noting its success and importance.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
Sidhu on Trade and Tariff Preparedness
Maninder Sidhu discussed the potential impact of U.S. tariffs on jobs and Canada's readiness for various scenarios.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
Ng on Tariff Implications
Mary Ng pointed out that tariffs on Canadian goods would harm U.S. businesses, emphasizing Canada’s role as a top customer.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
LeBlanc on Tariff Discussions
Dominic LeBlanc discussed meeting with Alberta's Premier about avoiding U.S. tariffs.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
What We're Reading This Week
- Trump's Tariff Threats: Analysis of Canada's response to U.S. tariff threats.
- Canada-U.S. Relations: Exploring tensions in Canada-U.S. relations under Trump.
- Tariffs and Canadian Dairy: U.S. Commerce pick defends tariffs and hints at a fight over Canadian dairy.
- Ontario's Trade Dependence: Ontario's envoy discusses potential U.S. tariffs and trade reliance.