Trudeau to speak with premiers to discuss threats of U.S. tariffs

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to virtually meet with Provincial and Territory Premiers to discuss the threat of U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports.

Since their last meeting two weeks ago, Trudeau has gone to President-elect Donald Trump’s Mar-a-lago estate in Florida to dine with him and some of his cabinet nominees for an informal discussion on trade and border security.

Trump took to social media Tuesday to taunt the prime minister, saying it was a pleasure to dine with “Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada.”

It was a nod to a joke he made at the dinner that he might make Canada the “51st U.S. state.”

A new Leger poll suggests that 87 per cent of Canadians oppose Trump’s suggestion to make Canada the 51st state, with higher support for the idea among men and conservative party supporters.

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Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he is not too worried about the idea of Canada becoming the “51st state.”

“That’s the president’s words,” the premier said in a press conference. “I can tell the president I’m sure not thinking of Justin Trudeau at midnight, so if he’s thinking of Justin at midnight it’s probably a good relationship – I’m focused on making sure we get this trade deal done.”

The premier did say he was taking the proposed tariffs seriously.

Donald Trump says he’ll impose a 25 per cent tariff if Canada does not tighten border security to combat Fentanyl smuggling and illegal migration.

The Canada Border Services Agency reports seizing several firearms, drugs, and denying entry to thousands for serious criminality since October.

They say there is no sign of fentanyl or illegal immigrants going to the U.S. however they are bracing for increased pressure if Trump begins mass deportations.

With files from The Canadian Press.