CANADA LACKS LEADERSHIP IN THE WAKE OF TRUMP’S 25 PER CENT TARIFF THREATS

CANADA LACKS LEADERSHIP IN THE WAKE OF TRUMP’S 25 PER CENT TARIFF THREATS By Sami Parvez Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party on Jan. 6, 2025, while remaining in office until a new leader is chosen. Trudeau also asked Governor General Mary Simon to prorogue, or suspend, Parliament until March 24, a request she approved. The Liberal Party is set to select its new leader on March 9. "This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it's become clear to me that if I'm having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election," 53-year-old prime minister said during a press conference on Jan. 6. Although Justin Trudeau repeatedly assured the Canadians he would lead the Liberals into the next election, pressure mounted after the party lost a safe seat in Toronto to the Conservatives and another in Montreal to the Bloc Québécois. Despite these setbacks, Trudeau insisted he would remain at the helm, with some caucus members publicly saying he was the best choice to lead the party into the next election. Former Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Crystia Freeland's sudden departure further destabilized Trudeau's leadership team on Dec. 16. While the Governor General's approval of proroguing Parliament surprised some observers, many Canadians are grappling with significant challenges. Millions are turning to food banks amidst an unemployment crisis, housing shortages, and a strained healthcare system. Rising crime rates and recent arrests of several terrorists have added to the public's anxiety. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has been critical of border security and illegal migration, specifically concerning migrants crossing from Canada to the U.S. Trump has also raised concerns about fentanyl trafficking and its links to cross-border migration. On Nov. 30, Trudeau secretly flew to Florida and met with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate to discuss Canada-U.S. relations. "It was a pleasure to have dinner the other night with Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada. I look forward to seeing the Governor again soon so that we may continue our in depth talks on Tariffs and Trade, the results of which will be truly spectacular for all!" Trump said in a post on social media after meeting with his Canadian counterpart on Nov. 30. This is not the first time Trump has threatened to impose tariffs, having done so during his first term. With U.S. tariffs looming, many feel Canada’s internal leadership struggles, including the uncertainty surrounding Trudeau's resignation and proroguing Parliament have made it difficult for Canada to respond to Trump’s economic pressures effectively. “We are thinking in terms of 25 per cent on Mexico and Canada because they are allowing vast number of people, Canada is a very bad abuser also, vast numbers of people to come in and fentanyl to come in,” Trump told reporters on Jan. 20 during his first media address after taking office. As the Liberal Party works to choose its new leader, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre continues to call for a national election. Public opinion polls show that many Canadians believe an election is needed to restore stability to the country. In the meantime, Trump’s remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Jan. 23 added fuel to the fire. He said U.S. does not need Canadian energy, vehicles, or lumber, further complicating Canada’s ability to navigate its economic relationship with the U.S. "We’re going to be demanding respect from other nations. Canada. We have a tremendous deficit with Canada. We're not going to have that anymore," Trump said speaking via video conference. During a Jan. 21 press conference, Trudeau emphasized Canada’s commitment to avoiding tariffs but warned of a strong, measured response should they be imposed on Feb. 1. He added: "Our response will be robust, rapid, and measured, but very strong. The goal will be to get those tariffs off as quickly as possible, and in order to do that, everything is on the table." “Everything is on the table, and I support the principle of dollar-for-dollar matching tariffs, Trudeau told the reporters. “It's something we're absolutely going to be looking at if they move forward. We are prepared for every possible scenario.” Canada’s border policies under Trudeau have faced criticism for being too lenient, creating vulnerabilities. Recent high-profile arrests, including individuals crossing the border illegally, have heightened public concerns about national security. Even a terrorist involved in a beheading in Syria was granted admission to Canada in 2018, becoming a Canadian citizen last year May, who was arrested in Toronto in June. Another Pakistani student was arrested in Quebec near the US-Canada border while crossing illegally to carry out a massacre on Oct. 7, 2024, the first anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that killed dozens of civilians and wounded many attending the Nova music festival in Israel. In 2017, when Trump announced travel bans on several countries, Trudeau sent out a famous tweet saying, “Welcome to Canada,” which cost Canadian taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars as thousands of people crossed illegally through Roxham Road in Quebec. In tariff wars, there will be no winner; only consumers on both sides of the border will bear the cost. The way the Liberal government handles these challenges, once the effects are felt, will be crucial. Moreover, it will be interesting to see how Trudeau's successor navigates the evolving relationship with the new U.S. administration. Ultimately, Canada needs a true leader who will prioritize the nation's interests, put Canada first, and stand firm in the face of any consequences.