Despite published reports, the White House has reported that threatened tariffs on Canadian goods will proceed.
On Friday afternoon, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that tariffs will be implemented effective Saturday.
The statement contradicts a report by Reuters, citing unnamed sources, that stated collections on tariffs would not begin until March 1.
"I saw that report, and it is false," said Leavitt. "I was just with the president in the Oval Office, and I can confirm that tomorrow, the February 1 deadline that President Trump put into place in a statement several weeks ago continues. The president will be implementing tomorrow a 25 per cent tariff on Mexico, 25 per cent tariff on Canada, and a ten per cent tariff on China for the illegal fentanyl that they have sourced and allowed to distribute to our country."
Leavitt added that as of Friday afternoon, Trump had not decided whether to include oil from Canada.
The threat of 25 per cent tariffs against Canada has caused concern at all levels of government. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told a new Canada-US relations council Friday morning in Toronto that there would be an appropriate response.
"If the president does choose to implement any tariffs against Canada, we’re ready with a response, a purposeful, forceful but reasonable immediate response," said Trudeau, as quoted by The Globe and Mail. "It’s not what we want but if he moves forward, we will also act. We’re ready for whatever scenario comes forward."
Ontario PC Party Leader Doug Ford and NDP Leader Marit Stiles have both promised to act against any tariffs should their parties be elected next month to form the new provincial government.