MP Gary Anandasangaree
Canada will respond firmly and decisively to U.S. tariff threat
It would be an understatement to say that a lot has happened in Canadian politics over the past few weeks. On January 6, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his intention to step down once the party selects its next leader.
The past nine years have had their share of challenges, but it’s clear that Prime Minister Trudeau’s leadership guided Canada through some very difficult times. Whether it was lifting more than a million Canadians out of poverty, protecting Canadian workers from the tariff threats of the first Trump administration, or navigating a once-in-a-century global pandemic, his leadership has had a lasting impact. Personally, I am especially grateful to Prime Minister Trudeau for placing reconciliation at the forefront – a legacy that will guide Canada toward justice, healing and stronger partnerships with Indigenous Peoples.
I want to reassure you that the work of the Government of Canada is ongoing. Cabinet and the public service remain fully operational and focused. As your Member of Parliament, I’m committed to building on our progress and embracing new ideas as we work together to improve the lives of everyone in our community.
Standing Up for Canadian Workers
President Donald Trump’s threat of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods was both alarming and predictable. Any tariffs on Canadian goods would bring serious economic harm to the U.S., with a 25% tariff raising costs for American households by more than $1,800 annually, driving up expenses for families, farmers, and industries alike. The federal government’s first priority is to deter the U.S. from imposing these tariffs. However, should they be imposed, Canada will respond firmly and decisively, as we have in the past.
Through no fault of their own, Canadian workers and families may face undue hardship, and our government will stand by them. We will support households in every province and territory and ensure that no industry or region bears an outsized share of the burden. I am confident that, together, we will weather this storm and secure a fair deal for both countries.
Securing Our Borders
Canada and the United States share the world’s longest peaceful border – a testament to our shared values and unwavering commitment to security. Since last year, we have taken decisive action to strengthen our borders against firearm, drug and human trafficking, as well as irregular migration on both sides of the border.
We’ve made significant progress in the last few months:
- Permanently deployed helicopters, drones and mobile towers to provide 24/7 surveillance at key border hotspots.
- Enhanced the capabilities of the CBSA and RCMP by adding personnel and improving detection technology with new X-rays, mobile X-rays, and hand-held chemical analyzers.
- Closed loopholes at the Canada-U.S. border by introducing new visa requirements, leading to an 89% reduction in illegal crossings into the United States by way of Canada since June 2024.
- Announced Canada’s first preclearance operation in New York State to stop illegal goods and inadmissible people from entering Canada before they reach the border.
While there is still more to do to safeguard our 8,891km border and protect Canadians, we are already seeing results. Just last month, we held a border security exercise with Ontario, and in a separate operation, the RCMP, CBSA and Toronto Police seized 835 kg of cocaine worth approximately $83 million.