US trade representative says Canada’s retaliation has been in place “for at least a year”
"Canada has had its retaliatory measures uh in place on us for at least a year. Things like dairy uh have been discriminatory against the United States for for even longer than that. Uh so we have been considering um you know very tailored action to respond to those things which we've done."
About this episode
MeidasTouch frames a new round of US-Canada trade conflict as Donald Trump and senior officials threaten or defend steep tariffs, while Canadian provincial leaders reject concessions and argue for unified retaliation. The host plays a clip of US ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra criticising Ontario for running US-targeted ads opposing Trump’s tariff moves, calling such political advertising “not appropriate”.
The episode also features remarks from US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer describing Canadian retaliatory measures as being in place “for at least a year” and outlining the administration’s stated focus on autos, provincial alcohol bans and dairy market access. Separately, Trump adviser Peter Navarro is played calling Canadian trade negotiators “some of the most dishonest people I’ve ever met” and accusing them of discriminatory practices.
On the Canadian side, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew argues Trump is “very vulnerable” politically due to cost-of-living pressures, and says commentary made amid wildfire emergencies lacks “basic human decency”, citing Canadian firefighting assistance to the US. British Columbia Premier David Eby calls Trump a “wounded animal” in a broader clip and claims Canada has sought talks but “there’s been nobody on the other end of the phone line”, urging Canada to diversify trade if negotiations do not materialise. The host also includes US Senate questioning of Greer, including concerns about consumer costs and the risk of Canadian retaliation.
A mid-episode Lollipop soda advert and end-of-video subscription/book promotion are included.
Key takeaways
- US ambassador Pete Hoekstra says Canadian officials should not run political ads in the US against the president.
- US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer says Canadian retaliatory measures have been in place “for at least a year” and describes US actions touching autos, alcohol bans and dairy.
- Trump adviser Peter Navarro alleges Canadian trade negotiators are “dishonest” and accuses Canada of discriminatory practices.
- Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says Trump is “very vulnerable” politically and criticises comments made amid wildfire emergencies.
- BC Premier David Eby calls Trump a “wounded animal” and claims Canada has been willing to engage in talks but cannot reach a US counterpart.
- The show includes Senate questioning of Greer about costs, retaliation risk and tariff policy.