U.S. President Donald Trump said tariffs against Canada will go ahead.
ABC News reported on Monday afternoon that while meeting with reporters at the White House, Trump mentioned that 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican-made goods will start Tuesday.
"The tariffs, you know, they're all set. They go into effect tomorrow," said Trump.
Canadian energy products are also subject to a ten per cent tariff.
When asked if there was room for negotiation, the Toronto Star reported Trump saying there would not be.
"No room left for Mexico or for Canada," said Trump, adding that he still had concerns about fentanyl entering the U.S.
The threat of 25 per cent tariffs against Canada had caused concern at all levels of government. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Canadian cabinet ministers had spent several weeks negotiating with the Trump administration.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was on his way to Canada Monday from a meeting in London, England on the Ukraine conflict. But, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly said on Monday that Canada would be ready to fight back.
"Let’s be clear, if Trump is imposing tariffs, we’re ready," Joly said, according to the Star.
Trump is expected to mention tariffs when he addresses a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night.
Reelected Ontario Premier Doug Ford had vowed to fight any implementation of tariffs with a variety of proposed measures, including the removal of American-made products from LCBO shelves.
Ford had also threatened to "tear up" a proposed $100-million deal with Elon Musk's Starlink, which would improve internet access for those living in northern Ontario and rural areas.
