Start Date: 2025-02-08
End Date: 2025-02-14

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Canada Responds to U.S. Tariff Threats with Reciprocal Measures

On February 4, 2025, Canada implemented surtaxes on key U.S. imports, targeting $30 billion in goods. The measures were a direct response to U.S. tariffs, which Canada argues violate the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). The surtaxes aim to protect Canadian industries and support domestic supply chains while encouraging the U.S. to remove its tariffs.

Sources: Canada Gazette, Part II: www.gazette.gc.ca

U.S. Pauses New Tariffs Amid Northern Border Concerns

A U.S. executive order paused further tariffs on Canadian products until March 4, 2025, as the U.S. assesses Canada's efforts against drug trafficking. The decision stems from concerns over national security, with tariffs considered under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Ministers Discuss Canada-U.S. Economic Relations

The Canadian Department of Finance held a briefing with industry stakeholders to address the potential impacts of U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum. Canadian officials highlighted ongoing efforts to maintain free trade and mitigate economic impacts through support measures for businesses.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Trump Unveils 'Fair and Reciprocal Plan' on Trade

President Trump announced a trade plan to address imbalances and ensure reciprocal tariffs. The plan seeks to prioritize American workers and reduce the U.S. trade deficit, which exceeded $1 trillion in 2024. It includes measures to counter non-reciprocal trading practices and enhance national security.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

Alberta's Economic Development Minister to Discuss U.S. Tariffs

Minister Terry Duguid will meet Alberta industry leaders to discuss the potential impact of U.S. tariffs on the construction and manufacturing sectors. The roundtable aims to strategize on protecting jobs and maintaining competitiveness amid tariff threats.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Information Update: U.S. Export Control Reform

Global Affairs Canada released an update on U.S. export control reforms, detailing changes affecting Canadian businesses.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: open.canada.ca

Canada-Amending Import Control List

A regulation amending the Import Control List was published, affecting goods subject to import restrictions.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: open.canada.ca

U.S. Steel Tariff Investigation

The U.S. Commerce Department found Canadian steel producers received subsidies; tariffs are under consideration.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

President Trump Increases Aluminum Tariffs

The aluminum tariff was raised to 25%, affecting imports from Canada and other countries starting March 12, 2025.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

Provincial Announcements

Manitoba Premier Joins Washington Mission

Premier Wab Kinew participated in a mission to Washington, D.C., advocating for strong Canada-U.S. relations amid tariff concerns.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.mb.ca

Alberta Continues Advocacy Efforts in Washington

Premier Danielle Smith joined Canadian premiers in Washington to discuss the impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

B.C. Minister Discusses Softwood Duties

B.C. Minister Ravi Parmar addressed softwood duties with California officials, highlighting the need for fair trade policies.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Julie Dzerowicz Addresses Tariff Threats

MP Julie Dzerowicz tweeted about discussions on President Trump's tariff threats and the importance of maintaining a rules-based order.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Michael Chong Criticizes Carbon Tariffs Proposal

MP Michael Chong expressed opposition to proposed carbon tariffs on U.S. exports, calling it a radical plan.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Karina Gould Warns of Auto Sector Impact

MP Karina Gould tweeted about the intertwined U.S.-Canada auto sectors and potential job risks due to tariff threats.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Tony Dean on Canada's Resources

Senator Tony Dean tweeted about Canada's resource supply to the U.S. and the implications of counter-tariffs.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Trudeau Faces Tariff Threats: The Star covers Canada's response to U.S. tariff threats.
• Trudeau Vows to Meet Tariff Threats: Trudeau promises a firm response to U.S. tariffs.
• Global News on 'Unacceptable' Tariffs: Trudeau criticizes U.S. tariffs as unacceptable.
• Decreasing Red Tape to Limit Tariff Impact: Calgary Chamber of Commerce suggests reducing red tape to mitigate tariff impacts.