The tariff war between Canada and the United States escalated today with Canada refusing to back down and President Trump threatening to raise tariffs on Canadian vehicles and auto parts to 50 per cent from 25 per cent.

On the weekend, Canada refused to accede to US terms on  $20 billion worth of exported goods to the U.S., thus irking the President.

Today, in measured tones, Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney said: “There is a mutually beneficial deal possible here, but it has to be one that respects Canada’s sovereignty, that respects our independence, that uses our complementary strengths to build something better, not tear apart for short-term gain.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford declared that Canada will never be the 51st state of the United States and that it will remain proud and independent. It will not capitulate to imposed terms and will not readily accept the short end of the stick. Ford threatened to shut off electricity supplies to the United States.

Of President Trump, Ford said: “He’s arrogant. He’s cocky. We power 1.5 million homes and businesses in the United States. Everything is on the table. I’ll do whatever it takes. Trump better have a pack of batteries.”

President Trump replied with expected bombast, saying, Canada has been ripping off the United States of America for years. Canada will be treated like a state no longer. They feel entitled, and yet we don’t need Canada; they need us.”

Canada’s Prime Minister made himself very clear, saying: “ An attitude at the negotiating  table that Canada is a subsidiary of the United States, that Canadian industry is going to be disadvantaged relative to American industry, that we’re going to set up terms so that over time Canadian industry is going to face constant headwinds, that’s not something we’re going to accept.” 

Taking to Truth Social, President Trump disparagingly referred to Prime Minister Mark Carney as “Governor” Carney, writing, “Someone should get these clowns to fall in line, or the consequences for Canada will be worse. America has been carrying Canada for decades. The USA will always be far bigger, richer and stronger than Canada.”

Speaking on a radio show, Doug Ford told President Trump “to kiss his ass”.