How can Canada tackle Trump tariffs, border security during prorogation?

Prorogation means planned new spending, like the $1.3 billion announced last month in the federal government's new border security plan, is in limbo.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s decision to prorogue Parliament raises questions about how Ottawa can respond to the incoming Trump administration without the option of using legislation — but the government says it still has several powers at its disposal.

The prorogation means all legislative activity is suspended until March 24, and any bills that haven’t yet received royal assent die and will need to be reintroduced in the next session. That includes proposed new spending like the $1.3 billion announced last month in the federal government’s new border security plan.

The plan was intended to address concerns raised by incoming U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, who has vowed to impose damaging 25 per cent tariffs on all Canadian imports while pushing Ottawa to clamp down on cross-border migration and drug smuggling.

A spokesperson for Public Safety Minister David McGuinty told Global News the border security plan contains several measures that do not need parliamentary approval. They include steps already taken by the government, including an end to “flagpoling” and joint border security exercises with the provinces and territories, starting with Ontario last Friday.

“While Parliament is prorogued, the Cabinet and the public service continue to be fully operational,” spokesperson Gabriel Brunet said in an emailed statement.

“We intend to keep forging ahead with our plan to strengthen our border, deepen our collaboration with our American partners, and keep Canadians safe.”

If Trump follows through with his threat of tariffs, Canada can impose retaliatory duties on American goods without parliamentary approval as well.

The government did not need to pass legislation to retaliate against Trump’s steel and aluminum tariffs in 2018.