Carney says Canada wants comprehensive deal; ‘all options’ if tariffs hit
"the American tariffs, the 338 tariffs will come into effect in 29 days. Um uh and we will look at all options in terms of how we would respond if they do come into effect. Um that's part of what we'll be discussing uh with premers."
About this episode
The MeidasTouch episode centres on Canada’s escalating public posture in response to Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs, presenting clips of statements from Canadian provincial premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney. British Columbia premier David Eby says US alcohol will not return to shelves in his province, describing the ban as a deliberate response to US pressure and arguing that capitulation would be “the wrong approach”.
Ontario premier Doug Ford urges a more aggressive counter-strategy if talks fail, saying Canada must “hit… tariff to tariff” and describing the US president as a bully. In one of the sharpest lines, Ford claims Canada is an “energy powerhouse” and says it “could dismantle the US” if Canada used its leverage across electricity and major commodity exports; he also references an expected economic impact he understands as “28 billion across the country”, with Ontario taking a large share.
Carney, in clips used by the programme, says provinces control their own alcohol measures and suggests any reversal should occur only as part of an overall settlement. He says Canada is seeking a comprehensive deal addressing strategic sectors (including steel, aluminium, forest products and automobiles), not a partial agreement. Carney adds that he spoke with Trump and agreed to intensify negotiations, while warning Canada will consider “all options” if the threatened tariffs come into force within the stated 29-day period. The host adds partisan commentary and includes a sponsor segment and book promotion.
Key takeaways
- Doug Ford says Canada should respond “tariff to tariff” and go on the offensive if talks fail.
- Ford claims Canada is an “energy powerhouse” and says it “could dismantle the US” if it used its leverage.
- Ford cites an understood tariff impact of “28 billion across the country”, with Ontario bearing a large portion.
- David Eby says US alcohol will not return to shelves in British Columbia and argues capitulation would be wrong.
- Eby says he does not see meaningful US engagement with Canada in trade conversations, and urges diversification beyond the US market.
- Mark Carney says provinces decide on alcohol measures and changes should come only within an overall agreement.
- Carney says Canada wants a comprehensive sector-wide deal and will consider “all options” if tariffs take effect in 29 days.