Canada’s provincial and territorial premiers have arrived in Washington, D.C., launching a joint lobbying effort to push back against U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff measures. With tensions rising over Trump’s decision to impose a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports—including Canadian products—premiers are hoping to sway Republican lawmakers whose districts stand to suffer from a trade war.
While details on their White House meetings remain unconfirmed, Federal Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc is also set to meet with U.S. Commerce Secretary nominee Howard Lutnick. The economic stakes are high, as Trump’s administration eyes additional tariffs, including potential levies on automobiles.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, arriving in Washington as a winter storm swept the city, described the mission as a “charm offensive,” emphasizing diplomacy over ultimatums. Kinew and his fellow premiers are focusing on building relationships, arguing that economic ties between Canada and the U.S. benefit workers on both sides of the border.
The tariff dispute has already seen Canada announce retaliatory measures on $155 billion worth of U.S. goods, including alcohol, furniture, and natural resources. Despite previous threats that nothing could halt the tariffs, Trump delayed their implementation until March 4 after Canada pledged to strengthen border security.
As tensions escalate, Canadian leaders are reinforcing the message that cooperation—not economic warfare—serves both nations. The coming days will reveal whether their diplomatic push can influence the White House’s next moves.
Source: Swifteradio.com
