Trump says Canada tariffs have ‘nothing to do’ with forcing trade talks
Global News
Trump denied a report that his threat of sweeping tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico is meant to force early renegotiations of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday denied that his threat of sweeping tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico is meant to force early trade renegotiations, insisting he’s responding to “massive” flows of fentanyl and migrants into the U.S.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump’s tactic was meant to kickstart talks on the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), which replaced NAFTA during Trump’s first term as president, before it comes up for review in 2026. The report cited people familiar with Trump’s thinking.
Asked about the report during an unrelated press conference at the White House, Trump said his threat of 25 per cent tariffs against Canada and Mexico, which he said will “probably” begin on Feb. 1, has “nothing to do with” CUSMA.
“They’ve allowed — both of them, and Canada very much so — they’ve allowed millions and millions of people to come into our country that shouldn’t be here,” he said. “They could have stopped them and they didn’t.
“The fentanyl coming through Canada is massive. The fentanyl coming through Mexico is massive. And people are getting killed and families are being destroyed.”
Trump also said said his administration is discussing imposing a 10 per cent tariff on goods imported from China on Feb. 1 “based on the fact that they’re sending fentanyl to Mexico and Canada.”
Trump has previously said he wants to reopen CUSMA when it comes up for review to close loopholes that Canadian and U.S. officials say are being exploited by China to enter the North American auto market through Mexico.
The president signed a sweeping executive order on trade policy Monday that included a direction to the U.S. trade representative to commence public consultations “in preparation” for CUSMA’s scheduled 2026 review, assess the trade agreement’s impact on American workers and agricultural producers, “and make recommendations regarding the United States’ participation in the agreement.” The order set an April 1 deadline for that report and other trade policy reviews.
Around 4:15 a.m. Monday a stolen flatbed truck smashed into Players Choice Sports Cards and Collectibles, completely smashing the storefront.
The union representing thousands of health care professionals across Saskatchewan is calling out the decision to hire a private company to provide mobile detox services.
The New Brunswick government says it has asked for an audit of NB Power’s billing process after receiving "hundreds" of complaints.
General Motors, Nissan and Hyundai are among the companies that say they will match the $5,000 rebate on new electric vehicles sold during January.
The Retail Council of Canada has warned that tit-for-tat tariffs between Canada and the United States could raise prices for consumers on both sides of the border.
Winnipeg has a name in mind for its first-ever chief construction officer, Mayor Scott Gillingham announced Tuesday.
Kingston city council declared food insecurity an emergency last week, becoming the third Ontario city to do so over the past few months.
An injured suspect was taken into custody after the violence on Interstate 91 in Coventry, about 32 kilometres from the Canadian border, the FBI said in a statement.
Canada’s population will grow over the years regardless of the federal government’s recent decision to slash immigration rates, a new report shows.
On Friday, Mayor Malcolm Brodie refused to answer questions about his total compensation package of at least $362,000 in 2023. He earns $198,000 as mayor.
Blue Monday is often referred to as the saddest day of the year. CMHA Waterloo Wellington says there are a variety of activities that boost mental wellness during the winter.
The league suspended Purifoy on Friday.
After years of renting two propane tanks for $99 plus tax, Joe Eagles received a $600 increase from Superior Propane. The company says the increased fee is for minimal propane use.
In June 2022, the city announced it would be widening Robie Street to add bus lanes — a project that requires space. That will also mean the end to a woman's home of 26 years.
The Toronto International Film Festival says Rogers Communications has signed a three-year deal to return as its official “presenting partner” through 2027.
A boil water advisory has been issued for parts of the Halifax region after a power failure at a water treatment facility.
The TTC unveiled its capital plan for 2025 on Monday, complete with details of how often the spine of the city's transit network would be closed for days at a time.
A passenger on a recent rough-landing flight to Halifax says not only was the incident frightening, but the aftermath was poorly managed as people were left out in the cold.