Well, it didn’t take long for Justin Trudeau to start dialing frantically after President-elect Donald Trump’s latest border security salvo.
On Monday night, just hours after Trump announced plans to slap a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada over illegal immigration and drug trafficking concerns, Trudeau was on the phone with Trump trying to cool things down. According to reports, the two had a “constructive” call, though you can bet Trudeau wasn’t thrilled to be schmoozing with the man set to turn his woke trade policy on its head.
Trudeau reportedly argued that Canada’s border problems are “minuscule” compared to the U.S.-Mexico border. Well, sure, Justin—if you ignore the steady flow of illicit drugs, particularly fentanyl, pouring into the U.S. from Canada. It’s classic Trudeau to downplay the issue while taking zero responsibility for tightening his own borders. Meanwhile, Trump isn’t buying the platitudes, making it clear that Canada and Mexico need to step up or face consequences.
Shortly after Trump’s post, Trudeau contacted Trump and the two leaders spoke by phone. According to a source, they talked border security and it was a “constructive call.” Trudeau pointed out that the issues at the Canadian border are miniscule compared to the US/Mexico border. https://t.co/4YC7BcDsbG
— Brian Platt (@btaplatt) November 26, 2024
Trump’s statement was, as usual, direct: “Thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing Crime and Drugs at levels never seen before.” His proposed 25% tariff on all goods from these neighbors is his opening move to demand real action. Trump isn’t playing diplomat; he’s throwing down the gauntlet, promising tariffs until the flow of drugs and illegal immigration stops. Naturally, this has Canadian premiers in a full-blown panic.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford warned that Trump’s tariff would devastate jobs on both sides of the border, demanding a “Team Canada” approach to fix the issue. Meanwhile, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, while acknowledging Trump’s “valid concerns,” was quick to point out that Alberta’s energy exports—primarily oil and gas—aren’t part of the problem. In fact, Smith cleverly framed Alberta as part of the solution, emphasizing their role in U.S.-Canada energy security. If Trudeau had half that strategic mindset, he wouldn’t need emergency calls to Washington.
The incoming US @realDonaldTrump administration has valid concerns related to illegal activities at our shared border. We are calling on the federal government to work with the incoming administration to resolve these issues immediately, thereby avoiding any unnecessary tariffs…
— Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) November 26, 2024
The real irony here is Trudeau’s scramble to save face after years of virtue-signaling about “open borders” and progressive immigration policies. Now, with Trump back in charge and ready to enforce accountability, Canada’s leaders are forced to confront the consequences of their own lax enforcement.
One thing’s for sure: Trump’s no-nonsense approach to border security and trade is sending shockwaves through Canada’s political establishment. Whether Trudeau and his premiers can navigate the incoming storm remains to be seen, but it’s clear that cozying up to woke ideologies won’t protect Canada from tariffs—or Trump’s relentless focus on protecting America’s interests.
