NDP statement ahead of Liberal cabinet meeting on Trump’s tariffs

Ahead of the Liberals’ cabinet meetings on Trump’s 35 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods and 50 per cent tariffs on Canadian copper, Canada’s NDP leader Don Davies issued the following statement:

“Canada is facing serious threats from a US administration intent on damaging the Canadian economy.

New Democrats support a strong, united Canadian response that protects our sovereignty, interests and values. We offer our full cooperation to deliver this.

It is now clear that appeasement has not and will not work with Mr. Trump. Conceding to a bully never ends.

That is why New Democrats urge the Carney government to cease offering unilateral concessions without securing reciprocal benefits from the US.

Mr. Carney promised an “elbows up” approach during the election – Canadians expect him to follow through on that commitment.

New Democrats also believe the Liberal government must make it a priority to protect Canadian workers in industries hurt by Trump’s tariffs. We continue to offer constructive proposals that are essential to defend and improve Canada’s economy. These include:

• investing to build more of what we need in Canada and create good, family sustaining jobs;
• making a firm commitment to maximize Canadian content in all public infrastructure and incentivize the private sector to buy Canadian content with a Made-in-Canada tax credit;
• improving Employment Insurance;
• accelerating trade diversification efforts, especially with Europe and Asia.

Canada is a free, independent and fair nation. New Democrats will work positively to make sure it remains so.”