Prime Minister Mark Carney gathered all 13 provincial and territorial premiers in Charlottetown to forge a unified response to U.
S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a 50 percent retaliatory tariff on Canadian exports.
The tariffs, scheduled for August 19, target about 5 percent of Canadian exports valued at $20 billion.
Goods affected include electronics, cement, alcohol, and hockey gear, while major sectors like energy, fish, and potash remain exempt.
Team Canada Approach
Speaking before a private roundtable, Carney stressed national unity in the trade dispute over amendments to the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.
"We may face similar challenges to the Fathers of Confederation but we have many more advantages," Carney said.
He noted Canada is more diverse, prosperous, and united than in the past.
Carney added that the country's strategic alignment has placed it in a stronger position than when the trade war began.
Provincial leaders expressed support for the federal strategy while calling for decisive action. Ontario Premier Doug Ford emphasized focusing on "Team Canada led by the prime minister."
Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis Lantz urged negotiators to "put everything on the table" and get the deal done.
Former Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey cautioned against overreacting to each new U. S.
headline. "I think we can't overreact every time the president has a new headline," he said.
Furey acknowledged potential internal debates but expressed confidence in maintaining a cohesive front. "This is going to be the test of our resolve," he added.
Strategic Patience Advised
Academic experts urged a measured response.
Memorial University business professor Alex Cooper said Trump uses tariffs as economic coercion, "throwing his toys out of the pram just to make things difficult."
Cooper noted that sudden policy shifts create uncertainty for businesses and consumers. "It's hard for business.
It's hard for consumers and it's hard for the country," he said.
He advised against knee-jerk reactions, calling for a strategic approach instead.
McGill University economics lecturer Daron Karaguesian warned that the impact could be devastating for affected businesses. He highlighted trade diversification as a key opportunity.
Karaguesian identified China as the top destination for increased Canadian exports due to complementary economies.
He also pointed to potential markets in North Africa, the Middle East, and Nigeria for agricultural products.
However, he noted that protectionist policies in the EU and logistical barriers for energy exports remain challenges.
Trade representative John Camilleri from The Canada EU Trade and Investment Association said Canada's policy has long focused on diversifying trade beyond the U.
S. He noted that Prime Minister Carney has pursued a more ambitious strategy with Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
Foreign Minister Anita Anand reiterated this during an ASEAN meeting in Indonesia, prioritizing the conclusion of a free trade agreement between ASEAN and Canada.
Economic data shows varying provincial exposure to the tariffs.
British Columbia faces 14 percent export exposure, Ontario 9 percent, and Newfoundland and Labrador just 0.4 percent.
University of Calgary economics professor Trevor Tombe noted that Prince Edward Island has more than double the exposure of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Tombe said the underlying tension is political rather than structural.
U. S.
officials stated the proposed tariffs target provincial bans on American liquor, Canada's dairy supply system, and vehicle quotas.
Canadian leaders continue negotiating ahead of the August 19 deadline.
