Canada's governing Liberal Party will select the country's next prime minister on March 9 following a leadership vote triggered by Justin Trudeau's resignation earlier this week, party officials announced on Thursday, reports AP. Trudeau will remain in office as prime minister until a new leader is chosen. Leading contenders for the party's leadership include former central banker Mark Carney and former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, whose sudden resignation last month prompted Trudeau's decision to step down. Who Will Replace Justin Trudeau? “Following a comprehensive and secure national process, the Liberal Party of Canada will elect a new leader on March 9, ready to compete and win the 2025 election,” stated Sachit Mehra, President of the Liberal Party of Canada. This political shakeup comes at a challenging time for Canada, as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly referred to Canada as the 51st state and threatened to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. The next Liberal leader could face a brief tenure as prime minister, as all three opposition parties have vowed to topple the Liberals' minority government through a no-confidence vote once Parliament reconvenes on March 24. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau resigns in the face of internal, external pressure Polls indicate the Liberals face slim chances in the upcoming election, with the latest Nanos survey showing the party trailing the opposition Conservatives by a margin of 45% to 23%. Trudeau, 53, the son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, announced his resignation on Monday amid dwindling support within his party and across the country. His unpopularity stemmed from various issues, including rising food and housing costs and increasing immigration. Last month, Trudeau informed Freeland that she would no longer serve as finance minister but could retain her roles as deputy prime minister and the key liaison for U.S.-Canada relations. Freeland resigned soon after, issuing a critical letter about the government, which proved to be the tipping point for Trudeau's leadership. Freeland has spent the past week consulting with colleagues about the way forward. Following her resignation, Trump referred to her as “totally toxic” and “not at all conducive to making deals.” Freeland had previously led Canada’s negotiations during the renegotiation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in Trump’s first term. Freeland, who is of Ukrainian descent, has also been a strong supporter of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia—a stance that has likely drawn Trump’s ire. A former journalist and liberal, Freeland represents a mix of qualities that Trump has publicly criticised. Justin Trudeau likely to resign this week Mark Carney, on the other hand, boasts an impressive resume. In 2012, he became the first non-British governor of the Bank of England since its founding in 1694. His appointment followed a successful tenure as governor of Canada’s central bank, where he was credited with helping Canada recover swiftly from the 2008 financial crisis. He also played a key role in steering the UK through Brexit. Although Carney has expressed interest in politics and the prime ministership, he lacks political experience. This week, he acknowledged the widespread support he has received and said he would discuss his decision with his family in the coming days. The Liberal Party's National Board of Directors released the leadership race rules on Thursday. The entry fee is set at $350,000 Canadian ($243,000), and candidates must declare their intention to run by January 23. Eligible voters must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The Liberals previously amended their membership rules to simplify the registration process for party members, including abolishing fees. However, some Members of Parliament have suggested stricter rules after an inquiry into foreign interference revealed incidents of non-Canadians voting in local nomination races. “Maintaining the integrity of our democratic process while encouraging broad participation remains a top priority for the Liberal Party of Canada,” the party noted in a statement.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday dismissed U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's willingness to use "economic force" to merge Canada into the United States. "There isn't a snowball's chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States," Trudeau wrote on his social media account. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau resigns in the face of internal, external pressure "Workers and communities in both our countries benefit from being each other's biggest trading and security partner," said Trudeau. Trump said Tuesday that he's open to using "economic force" to acquire Canada. Trump, speaking at a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, also refused to rule out the use of military force to seize control of the Panama Canal and Greenland.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation amid waning support within his party and across the country.  Trudeau’s departure leaves his Liberal Party scrambling to find a new leader as Canada faces significant challenges, including the threat of steep tariffs from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and a looming federal election. Trudeau, 53, plans to remain as prime minister until a successor is chosen. However, his position became untenable after Chrystia Freeland, one of his most influential and loyal ministers, resigned as finance minister last month. Freeland’s departure followed mounting criticism of Trudeau’s leadership over issues such as rising food and housing costs, and increasing immigration levels. A Tough Time for Canada The political uncertainty comes at a critical moment for Canada. Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian goods unless the country addresses what he calls a flow of migrants and drugs into the U.S. Trump’s assertions, however, misrepresent the reality, as most of these concerns are more prominent on the U.S.-Mexico border. Trade tensions are also high, with Trump accusing Canada of contributing to the U.S. trade deficit, which Canada disputes. Canadian Ambassador to Washington Kirsten Hillman clarified that a significant portion of Canada’s exports to the U.S. are energy products, and the trade balance depends heavily on oil prices. If tariffs are enacted, Canada has vowed to retaliate, raising fears of a trade war. When Will Canada See a New Prime Minister? The Liberal Party must elect a new leader before Parliament resumes on March 24. Opposition parties have vowed to force a no-confidence vote as soon as Parliament reconvenes, potentially triggering an early election. This tight timeline gives the new leader little time to prepare, further complicating the Liberals' chances of holding onto power. Potential Successors to Trudeau Among the frontrunners to replace Trudeau are former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney and former finance minister Chrystia Freeland. Carney, a globally respected economist, gained prominence for steering Canada through the 2008 financial crisis and managing Brexit as governor of the Bank of England. Despite his lack of political experience, Carney’s expertise in economics and regulation makes him a strong contender. Freeland, a former journalist with deep international connections, resigned after Trudeau expressed doubts about her continuing as finance minister. A staunch supporter of Ukraine in its war against Russia, Freeland has also been critical of Trump, who labeled her "toxic." While she has yet to declare her candidacy, Freeland is consulting with colleagues about her next steps. Another possible candidate is Dominic LeBlanc, the current finance minister and a close ally of Trudeau. LeBlanc, who once babysat a young Trudeau, recently joined him for a dinner with Trump at Mar-a-Lago. The Liberal Party’s Chances Recent polls suggest the Liberals are trailing far behind the Conservatives, with 47% of voters supporting the opposition party compared to 21% for the Liberals. Analysts believe Trudeau’s delayed resignation leaves little time for his successor to prepare for early elections, further jeopardizing the party’s prospects. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is widely seen as the favorite to become the next prime minister. Known for his populist rhetoric, Poilievre has criticized Trudeau for Canada’s cost-of-living crisis and promised to eliminate the carbon tax and defund the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. While Trudeau’s resignation may offer a short-term boost to Liberal support, experts caution that the party faces an uphill battle to regain public trust and secure electoral success.

Embattled Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on Monday, citing a desire for new leadership. His departure marks the end of an era after nearly a decade in office. Trudeau's resignation comes amid declining approval and internal party pressure. He will remain PM though, till his party is able to choose a new leader.  He said that he has “one regret” as he announced he intends to resign — and that is the country’s election process, according to CNN. “If I have one regret, particularly as we approach this election — well, probably many regrets that I will think of,” Trudeau said. “But I do wish we’d been able to change the way we elect our governments in this country so that people could simply choose a second choice, or a third choice on the same ballot.” However, he may remain in office until the summer, depending on how long the ruling Liberal Party takes to select a new leader. Trudeau’s decision could precede the party's national caucus meeting on Wednesday, according to the Globe and Mail. Read More: Justin Trudeau likely to resign this week While Trudeau may seek to host the G7 summit in Alberta this June, his leadership faces mounting pressure. Over half of the 153 Liberal MPs in the House of Commons have called for his resignation, a figure nearing 100. With Parliament returning on January 27 and a no-confidence motion expected, Trudeau might seek to prorogue Parliament to facilitate the leadership transition. Hillary Clinton, George Soros and Denzel Washington received the highest US civilian honor After returning from a holiday in British Columbia, Trudeau has yet to comment publicly, with only a virtual Cabinet meeting scheduled for Monday. Meanwhile, potential successors include former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, whose resignation in December intensified calls for Trudeau’s departure. Polls suggest Freeland could revive the party’s fortunes, with support rising from 16% under Trudeau to over 20%. Other contenders, including Mark Carney and Melanie Joly, appear less promising. The Conservatives currently lead the Liberals by over 20% in voter preference.

In the East Room of the White House on a particularly frigid Saturday afternoon, President Joe Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 of the most famous names in politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy and science. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton aroused a standing ovation from the crowd as she received her medal. Clinton was accompanied to the event by her husband former President Bill Clinton, daughter Chelsea Clinton and grandchildren. Democratic philanthropist George Soros and actor-director Denzel Washington were also awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor in a White House ceremony. “For the final time as president I have the honor bestowing the Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honor, on a group of extraordinary, truly extraordinary people, who gave their sacred effort, their sacred effort, to shape the culture and the cause of America,” Biden said in his opening remarks. “Let me just say to each of you, thank you, thank you, thank you for all you’ve done to help this country," Biden said Saturday. Four medals were awarded posthumously. They went to George W. Romney, who served as both a Michigan governor and secretary of housing and urban development; former Attorney General and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy; Ash Carter, a former secretary of defense; and Fannie Lou Hamer, who founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and laid the groundwork for the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Kennedy is father to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for health and human services secretary. Biden said, “Bobby is one of my true political heroes. I love and I miss him dearly.” Romney is the father of former Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, one of Trump's strongest conservative critics. Read: Five-time Olympic medalist Tom Daley announces retirement from diving Biden has days left in the Presidential office and has spent the last few days issuing awards and medals to valiant military veterans, courageous law enforcement officials and exceptional Americans. The White House said the Medal of Freedom recipients have made “exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.” Major philanthropists receiving the award include Spanish American chef José Andrés, whose World Central Kitchen charity has become one of the world's most recognized food relief organizations, and Bono, the front man for rock band U2 and a social justice activist. Soros' son Alex Soros accepted the medal on his father's behalf. In an emailed statement, Soros said: “As an immigrant who found freedom and prosperity in America, I am deeply moved by this honor." Sports and entertainment stars recognized include professional soccer player Lionel Messi, who did not attend the event; retired Los Angeles Lakers basketball legend and businessman Earvin “Magic” Johnson; actor Michael J. Fox, who is an outspoken advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development; and William Sanford Nye, known to generations of students as “Bill Nye the Science Guy." Other awardees include conservationist Jane Goodall; longtime Vogue Magazine editor-in-chief Anna Wintour; American fashion designer Ralph Lauren; American Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr.; entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ activist Tim Gill; and David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group global investment firm. Lauren is the first fashion designer to receive the honor. Read more: Prince Amyn Aga Khan conferred with Municipal Merit Medal Last year, Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom on 19 people, including the late Medgar Evers, House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina and actor Michelle Yeoh. The Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded 654 times between 1963 and 2024, according to the Congressional Research Service. Notable Medal of Freedom recipients from the past include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou and Mother Teresa.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday said Americans “are beginning to wake up to the real reality that tariffs on everything from Canada would make life a lot more expensive" and said he will retaliate if Donald Trump goes ahead with them. Speaking at an event put on by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, Trudeau also said dealing with Trump will be “a little more challenging” than the last time because Trump’s team is coming in with a much clearer set of ideas of what they want to do right away than after his first election win in 2016. Trudeau, opposition leaders to discuss US ties amid Trump tariff threat The U.S. president-elect has threatened to impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico unless they stem the flow of migrants and drugs. “Trump got elected on a commitment to make life better and more affordable for Americans, and I think people south of the border are beginning to wake up to the real reality that tariffs on everything from Canada would make life a lot more expensive," Trudeau said. On the weekend, Trump appeared in an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” where the president-elect said he can’t guarantee that his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won’t raise prices for American consumers. “Let’s not kid ourselves in any way, shape or form, 25% tariffs on everything going to the United States would be devastating for the Canadian economy," Trudeau said. “It would also, however, mean real hardship for Americans as well. Americans import 65% of their crude oil from Canada, significant amounts of electricity. Just about all the natural gas exported from Canada goes to the United States. They rely on us for steel and aluminum. They rely on us for a range of agriculture imports. All of those things would get more expensive.” If Trump makes good on his threat to slap 25% tariffs on everything imported from Mexico and Canada, the price increases that could follow will collide with his campaign promise to give American families a break from inflation. Economists say companies would have little choice but to pass along the added costs, dramatically raising prices for food, clothing, automobiles, alcohol and other goods. Canada's Trudeau revives a Cabinet-level panel to address concerns about a Trump presidency The Produce Distributors Association, a Washington trade group, has said tariffs will raise prices for fresh fruit and vegetables and hurt U.S. farmers when the countries retaliate. “We will of course, as we did eight years ago, respond to unfair tariffs,” Trudeau said. Trudeau said his government is still mulling over “the right ways” to respond, referencing when Canada put billions of new duties in 2018 against the U.S. in a tit-for-tat response to new taxes on Canadian steel and aluminum. Many of the U.S. products were chosen for their political rather than economic impact. For example, Canada imports just $3 million worth of yogurt from the U.S. annually and most of it comes from one plant in Wisconsin, the home state of then-Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan. That product was hit with a 10% duty. “It was the fact that we put tariffs on bourbon and Harley-Davidsons and playing cards and Heinz ketchup and cherries and a number of other things that were very carefully targeted because they were politically impactful to the president’s party and colleagues,” Trudeau said. Trudeau said when Trump says things he means them but they also know Trump is trying to insert uncertainty and “a bit of chaos” into democracies. “One of the most important things for us to do is not freak out, not to panic,” Trudeau said. “Knowing these would be absolutely devastating means we have to take them seriously but it does mean we have to be thoughtful and strategic and not going around making our opponents arguments for him but making our arguments in a significant and united way." Canadian officials have said it is unfair to lump Canada in with Mexico. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Most of the fentanyl reaching the U.S. — where it causes about 70,000 overdose deaths annually — is made by Mexican drug cartels using precursor chemicals smuggled from Asia. On immigration, the U.S. Border Patrol reported 1.53 million encounters with irregular migrants at the southwest border with Mexico between October 2023 and September 2024. That compares to 23,721 encounters at the Canadian border during that time. Trump has also claimed the U.S. is “subsidizing Canada to the tune of over $100 billion a year." On America’s trade deficit Canada’s ambassador to Washington, Kirsten Hillman, told the AP U.S. had a $75 billion trade deficit with Canada last year but noted a third of what Canada sells into the U.S. are energy exports and prices have been high. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports as well. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing for national security. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will meet with all opposition leaders on Wednesday to discuss US-Canada relations following threats by US President-elect Donald Trump to impose sweeping tariffs on all Canadian products. A source familiar with the situation said the meeting would take place early Wednesday afternoon. The individual, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the talks are aimed at addressing the escalating tensions over trade. Trudeau successfully navigated a "Team Canada" approach during Trump's first term, working to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). However, Trudeau’s political position has weakened since then, and with an election looming in under a year, the current situation is more precarious. The latest threat came after Trump’s meeting with Trudeau at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida on Friday. Despite calls for a more cooperative stance, Trump did not back down from his pledge to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico unless they take stronger action to address migration and drug flows. Trump says BRICS countries must commit they’ll not replace US dollar or they’ll face 100% tariffs Trump’s remarks have sparked concern in Canada, which argues that it is being unfairly lumped in with Mexico. With 77% of Canada’s exports destined for the US, the potential tariffs would have a devastating impact on the Canadian economy. The country is one of the most trade-dependent in the world, and much of its daily trade, including crucial energy supplies, flows across the border. Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s ambassador to Washington, expressed optimism over Trudeau’s efforts to explain that the situation at the Canadian-US border is vastly different from that at the US-Mexico border. While the US has faced significant migrant and drug issues on its southern border, Canada has seen far fewer encounters, particularly with drugs like fentanyl.   Source: With inputs from wires

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday he is re-establishing a special Cabinet committee on Canada-U.S. relations to address his administration's concerns about another Donald Trump presidency. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who is also the country's finance minister, will chair the committee, which also will include other top officials including ministers of foreign affairs, public safety and industry. “Following the election of President Donald Trump for a second term, the Cabinet Committee will focus on critical Canada-U.S. issues,” Trudeau's office said in a statement Thursday. Canada is one of the most trade-dependent countries in the world, and 75% of Canada’s exports go to the U.S. During Trump's first time, his move to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, and reports that he was considering a 25% tariff on the auto sector were considered an existential threat in Canada at the time. Trudeau called Trump on Wednesday to congratulate him and the two discussed the new free trade deal Trump reached during his first term with Canada and Mexico, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which replaced NAFTA. Ottawa will soon have to focus on a scheduled review of the agreement in 2026. Although Trump once called Trudeau “weak” and “dishonest” during his first term, ties between the two countries have remained among the closest in the world. Freeland addressed reporters twice on Wednesday in an effort to reassure Canadians. “I know a lot of Canadians are anxious. I want to say with utter sincerity and conviction to Canadians that Canada will be absolutely fine," Freeland said. "We have a strong relationship with the United States. We have a strong relationship with President Trump and his team. Let’s remember that our trading relationship today is governed by the trade deal concluded by President Trump himself and his team," Freeland said. During the recent election campaign, Trump has proposed tariffs of 10% to 20% on foreign goods — and in some speeches has mentioned even higher percentages. Nelson Wiseman, a political science professor at the University of Toronto, said Canada should expect new tariffs and pressure to increase its military budget. According to NATO figures, Canada was estimated to be spending 1.33% of GDP on its military budget in 2023, below the 2% target that NATO countries have set for themselves. Trudeau has said Canada will meet the alliance’s target by 2032. Trump has urged NATO countries to boost their own defense spending to ease the burden on the U.S. to deter the alliance's enemies. “I expect that the free trade deal will be slightly modified as it was during Trump’s first presidency and not dramatically," Wiseman said. "Tariffs will hurt the Canadian economy economy but not cripple it. Canada has some cards to play in negotiations including countervailing tariffs, the concerns of American business leaders, and Canada’s storehouse of critical minerals.” The Canadian government notes the U.S. and Canada are each other’s largest trade partners with nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services crossing the border each day in 2023. The ties between the two countries are without parallel anywhere in the world. There is close co-operation on defense, border security and law enforcement, and a vast overlap in culture, traditions and pastimes — with shared baseball, hockey, basketball and soccer leagues. About 400,000 people cross the world’s longest international border each day and about 800,000 Canadians live in the U.S. Robert Bothwell, a professor of Canadian history and international relations at the University of Toronto, said Canadians should be worried about potential rash actions on tariffs and trade. “How would you feel if old Uncle Donald was feeling whimsical one morning and decided to do … oh, whatever he’d just heard on Fox News?” Bothwell said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday that the country will significantly reduce the number of new immigrants it allows into the country after acknowledging that his government failed to get the balance right coming out of the pandemic. Trudeau's Liberal government was criticized for its plan to allow 500,000 new permanent residents into the country in each of the next two years. On Thursday, he said next year’s target will now be 395,000 new permanent residents and that the figure will drop to 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027. “In the tumultuous times as we emerged from the pandemic, between addressing labor needs and maintaining population growth, we didn't get the balance right,” Trudeau said. “Immigration is essential for Canada's future, but it must be controlled and it must be sustainable.” Trudeau, who is facing calls from within his own party not to seek a fourth term, has endured mounting criticism over his immigration policies and the negative impact that population growth has had on housing affordability. He said his government will reduce the number of immigrants Canada brings in over the next three years, and that this will freeze population growth over the next two years. Canada reached 41 million people in April. The population was 37.5 million in 2019. Trudeau said Canada needs to stabilize its population growth to allow all levels of government to make necessary changes to health care, housing and social services so that it can accommodate more people in the future. Immigration Minister Marc Miller said the lower immigration numbers will help with the country's housing shortage. He also acknowledged the change in public opinion about immigration. “That volume that we have put forward is of concern,” Miller said. Miller said the government sees the pressures facing Canadians, and that it must must adapt its policies accordingly. He said government leaders have listened and will continue to protect the integrity of the immigration system and grow Canada's population responsibly. “We are an open country, but not everyone can come to this country,” he said, noting that Canada will continue to welcome outsiders and that the government's immigration targets remain ambitious. Trudeau's government has long touted Canada's immigration policy and how Canada is better than peer countries in welcoming newcomers and integrating them into the economy. Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the opposition Conservative Party, accused Trudeau of destroying the national consensus on immigration. “He has destroyed our immigration system through his own personal incompetence and destroyed 150 years of common sense consensus with the Liberals and Conservatives on that subject," Poilievre said. “He cannot fix what he broke on immigration and housing or anything else because he is busy fighting his own caucus,” he added. Poilievre was referring to calls by some lawmakers from Trudeau's own party to not run for a fourth term. Those calls represent one of the biggest tests of Trudeau's political career, but he said Thursday that he intends to stay on through the next election. Nelson Wiseman, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Toronto, said the Trudeau government messed up badly on immigration. "The government’s logic — to grow the economy and sustain an aging Canadian population by bringing in more young immigrants — was sound. But Ottawa has little control over meeting the housing, health, education, and other welfare needs of residents, whether they are citizens or immigrants,” Wiseman said. "These are all provincial government responsibilities, and there was little cooperation or coordination between the two levels of government," he said. A certain percentage of Canadians have always been xenophobic, but much less so than in some other countries, Wiseman said. “Many Canadians have turned against the recent growing immigrant and temporary worker/student influx because of the growing housing, health, education, and other welfare challenges. Ottawa has read the polls and is responding according," he said.  

Canada announced Monday it is launching a 100% tariff on imports of Chinese-made electric vehicles, matching U.S. tariffs imposed over what Western governments say are China's subsidies that give its industry an unfair advantage. The announcement came after encouragement by U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Cabinet ministers Sunday. Sullivan is making his first visit to Beijing on Tuesday. Trudeau said Canada also will impose a 25% tariff on Chinese steel and aluminum. “Actors like China have chosen to give themselves an unfair advantage in the global marketplace,” he said. There was no immediate response from China. One of the Chinese-made EVs imported into Canada is from Tesla, made at the company’s Shanghai factory, though the U.S. company could avoid the tariff by switching to supplying Canada from factories in the U.S. or Germany. Chinese brands are not yet a player in Canada. However, Chinese EV giant BYD established a Canadian corporate entity last spring and has indicated it intends to try and enter the Canadian market as early as next year. Chinese officials are likely to raise concerns about the American tariffs with Sullivan as Beijing continues to repair its economy after the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. President Joe Biden in May slapped major new tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, advanced batteries, solar cells, steel, aluminum and medical equipment. “The U.S. does believe that a united front, a coordinated approach on these issues benefits all of us,” Sullivan told reporters on Sunday. Biden has said Chinese government subsidies for EVs and other consumer goods ensure that Chinese companies don’t have to turn a profit, giving them an unfair advantage in global trade. Chinese firms can sell EVs for as little as $12,000. China’s solar cell plants and steel and aluminum mills have enough capacity to meet much of the world’s demand. Chinese officials argue their production keeps prices low and would aid a transition to the green economy. “We’re doing it in alignment, in parallel, with other economies around the world that recognize that this is a challenge that we are all facing,” Trudeau said of the new tariffs. “Unless we all want to get to a race to the bottom, we have to stand up.” Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said Canada also will launch a 30-day consultation about possible tariffs on Chinese batteries, battery parts, semiconductors, critical minerals, metals and solar panels. “China has an intentional state-directed policy of overcapacity and oversupply designed to cripple our own industry,” Freeland said. “We simply will not allow that to happen to our EV sector, which has shown such promise.” The only Chinese-made EVs currently imported into Canada are from Tesla, made at the company’s Shanghai factory. Canada "had to go with the U.S. position, when you think about the economic integration that we have with the U.S. More than 75% of our exports go to the U.S.,” said a former Canadian ambassador to China, Guy Saint-Jacques. Saint-Jacques said Canada can expect retaliation from China in other industries, adding that barley and pork are candidates because the Chinese can get it from other countries. “China will want to send a message,” he said.