In the face of growing uncertainty in our trading relationship with the United States, one thing remains clear: Canada will not sign a bad deal.
Earlier this week, President Trump announced a 35 percent tariff on Canadian exports not covered by CUSMA, the Canada乌鸦传媒揢nited States乌鸦传媒揗exico Agreement. While disappointing, the agreement itself remains intact. CUSMA provides comprehensive tariff-free access for compliant goods and services, and Canadian exports that qualify under its rules continue to benefit from some of the lowest United States tariff rates available to any trading partner in the world.
But that does not mean this latest move does not sting. Important Canadian sectors, including lumber, steel, aluminum, and autos, continue to be targeted with unfair United States duties. These industries support good jobs and strong communities. The federal government will continue to defend them by investing in our competitiveness, helping businesses diversify into new markets, and ensuring that procurement policies prioritize Canadian workers.
The United States has justified its recent tariffs by pointing to the flow of fentanyl across the border. In truth, Canada accounts for only one percent of fentanyl entering the United States, and we are working intensively to bring that number down even further. We are deploying thousands of new officers to reinforce our border, expanding aerial surveillance, and passing the strongest enforcement legislation in Canadian history. Our efforts target traffickers and organized crime, not legitimate trade.
The federal government has done its part to reduce internal trade barriers. Through Bill C5, the One Canadian Economy Act, we have removed longstanding obstacles under federal jurisdiction, setting the stage for a stronger, more integrated national economy. Now, we are encouraging provinces and territories to follow through. By working together, we can make it easier for goods, services, and workers to move freely across the country, unlocking growth and opportunity from coast to coast to coast.
We are also advancing a series of major nation-building projects with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners. These initiatives have the potential to generate economic activity on the order of hundreds of billions of dollars here in Canada.
Now is the time for all of us to step up. When deciding where to shop, travel, or choose a service, consider choosing Canadian. Supporting each other is how we grow through moments like this. Buying Canadian is more than a transaction; it is a vote of confidence in our people, our communities, and our future.
We will keep doing what it takes to defend Canadian jobs, protect our interests, and secure a fair deal. But we are strongest when we stand together. Let us hold the line.
Stephen Fuhr
MP Kelowna
