Carney Meets Premiers to Coordinate National Response to U.S. Auto Tariffs
OTTAWA – Prime Minister Mark Carney met virtually with Canada’s provincial and territorial premiers on Friday to coordinate a united national response to new U.S. tariffs targeting Canadian goods.
The emergency meeting followed the Prime Minister’s conversation earlier in the day with U.S. President Donald J. Trump. The American government is expected to announce sweeping tariffs on Canadian automobiles and auto-parts on April 2.
Joined by Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of International Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs, Carney told premiers that the federal government intends to implement retaliatory tariffs to protect Canadian workers and the domestic economy.
After I spoke with President Trump this morning, Minister LeBlanc and I discussed the current trade crisis with the premiers. We are all focused on fighting U.S. tariffs, protecting Canadian workers, and building one strong Canadian economy. pic.twitter.com/BYVvfekytA
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) March 28, 2025
In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office emphasized a united front: “Canada’s First Ministers stand united against this unjustified U.S. trade action and are committed to defending Canadian businesses, workers, and families.”
The leaders also discussed strategies to strengthen Canada’s internal economy, including proposals to reduce interprovincial trade barriers and fast-track stalled economic development projects.
Carney committed to continuing discussions with the premiers in the weeks ahead, as Canada prepares to navigate what could be a major shift in cross-border trade relations.
For more local analysis on the potential impact of the U.S. tariffs on the GTA auto sector, stay with GTA Today.
