Canadian premiers seek united response to Trump tariff threat

Canada’s premiers say they are standing together as Washington prepares to impose new tariffs on Canadian imports, even as they disagree on how to respond. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said the federal and provincial governments need to use leverage carefully while preparing for several possible outcomes if talks fail. The issue dominated the Council of the Federation meeting in Charlottetown on Wednesday after the U.S. announced 50 per cent tariffs on billions of dollars in Canadian goods, set to begin Aug. 19. Prime Minister Mark Carney briefed premiers after speaking with U.S. President Donald Trump and said negotiators would keep working toward a deal before the deadline. Premiers differed on possible countermeasures. Ontario’s Doug Ford suggested using energy and potash exports as pressure points, while Alberta’s Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan’s Scott Moe rejected that approach. Kinew also said he would keep Manitoba’s restrictions on American alcohol in place until the trade dispute is resolved, noting that provincial booze boycotts are already affecting U.S. exports to Canada.