From Calling for Counter-Tariffs to Warning Against Trade Wars, Premiers React to Failed US Trade Talks

Several Canadian premiers expressed support for Prime Minister Mark Carney imposing retaliatory tariffs on the United States after trade talks failed late on Aug. 21 and new U.S. tariffs went into effect as of Saturday, while Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said trade wars hurt everyone.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford encouraged Ottawa to commit to a “strong response—tariff for tariff, dollar for dollar” to the 50 percent tariff imposed by the United States on some Canadian goods.

Ford characterized retaliatory measures as a fight to protect Canadian sovereignty and economic security.

“Team Canada needs to stand together more united than ever before,” he wrote on social media. “Everything needs to be on the table. Ontario is ready to do its part.”

B.C. Premier David Eby also called for Ottawa to fight back against the tariffs, and said his province would always stand united with Canada.

“We’ll always defend ourselves. We didn’t ask for this, but we’ll keep fighting for as long as it takes,” he wrote in a post.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said that Carney was right to reject the U.S. deal as it was “unfair and unreliable,” and said he supports Canada’s retaliatory measures.

Alberta’s Smith did not comment on retaliatory measures, instead saying she was disappointed that talks failed. She said tariffs and counter-tariffs are harmful to businesses, workers, and families on both sides of the border, and cautioned that a trade war would not benefit anyone.

“Alberta will continue to advocate for a strong tariff free relationship between Canada and the U.S. and I will be urging the federal government to restart negotiations as soon as possible,” she wrote.

Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette called on Carney to provide assistance to the province’s workers and businesses. She announced two provincial aid programs, and called for the province’s residents to “buy Quebec-made.”

The new tariffs were initially set to take effect on Aug. 19, but U.S. President Donald Trump delayed their imposition for three days to allow for negotiations. Talks collapsed late on Aug. 21 as Canada rejected the deal offered by the United States, saying last-minute changes made the proposed agreement unfair toward Canada.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the U.S. offer was “the best treatment of any major exporter to our market,” and that Canada made new demands and walk-backs of other commitments.

The 50 percent tariffs cover about 5 percent of Canadian goods exported to the United States, including items such as agricultural and supply-managed dairy products; alcoholic beverages; consumer, sporting, and everyday goods; and industrial, forest, and manufacturing goods.

Other premiers on Aug. 21 also issued statements centred on expressions of support for Carney and Team Canada or measures to respond to the tariffs.

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said that “in the face of Trump’s trade war,” his province would develop its own resources and build its economy.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew released a video in which he said “we should fight back” against Trump, and encouraged everyone to buy from Canadian businesses.

Several premiers issued their statements by reposting Carney’s statement on the state of trade negotiations and Canada’s response to the latest developments. Carney said on Aug. 22 that he briefed premiers on the suspension of trade talks with Washington.

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham said he stands firmly with Team Canada, as he thanked the Canadian negotiators.

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt also said she “stands strong and united with Team Canada” to “fight for a fair deal.”

Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz, who is the current chair of the Council of the Federation, also said he stands with Team Canada, and that he will support those affected.