**Written by Richard Coffin
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says with the U.S. launching a trade war against Canada, the government will be there for Canadians.
The PM also addressed U.S. President Donald Trump directly, quoting the Wall Street Journal.
“Donald, they point out that even though you’re a very smart guy, this is a very dumb thing to do,” Trudeau says.
Trump’s 25 per cent tariffs on all Canadian goods started at midnight, while it’s 10 per cent for energy.
Trudeau reiterated Canada’s initial retaliation, and tariffs on $30 billion worth of American imports are also now in effect.
He tells Canadians this will be tough, but they’ll be there no matter how long it lasts.
“We will use every tool at our disposal so Canadian workers and businesses can weather this storm,” Trudeau says. “From expanding EI benefits and making them more flexible to providing direct support to businesses, we will be there as needed to help.
A second round of Canadian tariffs worth $125 billion dollars will go into effect in 21 days.
Trudeau adds he’s also meeting with the provincial and territorial premiers on Tuesday.
