Experts issue grave warning: Trump is a serious threat to Canada

Donald Trump is a serious threat to Canada and one that the country needs to take very seriously according to a new warning from the Expert Group on Canada-U.S. Relations. 

Composed of political experts and economic leaders, the Expert Group on Canada-U.S. Relations focuses on creating strategies to manage relations between the two countries. 

A recent warning from the group suggested the incoming U.S. president poses a threat to Canada’s sovereignty and economic independence based on Trump’s recent actions.  

The group wrote in a statement printed by Policy Magazine that Canada” faces the most serious threat to its sovereignty and economic prosperity since the Second World War.” 

Canada’s relationship with the United States since Confederation has been anchored in partnership, mutual respect, and a belief in working together—but that has changed. 

In the weeks following Trump’s re-election to the White House, the former president has revealed his willingness to toss the rules of the old bilateral relationship to the wayside. 

Trump has not only shown a willingness to threaten Canada’s economic prosperity via a 25% tariff on all imported goods but he has also threatened the country’s sovereignty. 

“The incoming President is clear about his disdain for our country and has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian imports unless we satisfy his demands,” it explained. 

The President-Elect has signaled he plans to use trade as a weapon to resolve disputes with Canada and the Expert Group noted Canadians are already seeing its effects. 

According to the Expert Group, Canada needs to be prepared to meet Trump’s ‘America First’ policies with policies that strengthen Canadian economic security and sovereignty. 

Canada needs to “be ready to respond rapidly and effectively to any action threatening Canada’s vital interests” and urged the government to take action in several key areas. 

First, the Expert Group urged that more should be done to secure Canada’s border and also noted Canada needed to rapidly up its defense spending to meet its obligations to Ottawa’s NATO allies, which require each member state of the alliance to spend 2% of their Gross Domestic Product  (GDP) on defense. 

Spending 2% of the country’s GDP on defense could not only placate Trump but would strengthen Canada’s defense industry according to the Expert Group’s assessment. however, this would be done to help Canada rather than to appease Trump. 

The Expert Group also advised that the provincial premiers and federal government needed to remove interprovincial trade barriers and develop the country's energy and natural resources sectors. 

“We should not respond to every provocation,” the Expert Group advised when dealing with Trump. “Reacting indignantly to each tweet and taunt simply invites more of them.”

Other recommendations included avoiding remarks that could inflame any tensions, as well as working with state and local leaders across the border to develop contingency plans as a means to limit the damage Trump’s tariffs or actions could inflict on Canada. 

“The incoming President senses weakness and exploits it. His approach is transactional and zero-sum. He believes there are only winners and losers in this world,” the Expert group explained. 

According to the Expert Group, Canada cannot yield to Trump’s every whim and should instead have a clear path forward prepared to deal with the new administration in areas where its policy affects Canadians and the country.  

“Canada needs to take the initiative and generate bold ideas that will benefit both countries’ economic security and prosperity, " the group wrote. 

“Canada also must seize this moment to move forward with an ambitious agenda to strengthen our economic fundamentals. Our future as an independent and prosperous nation depends on it,” the group added. 

The statement concluded by noting the new President of the United States has signaled a willingness to “do severe damage” to Canada and the whole country must respond with a strategy that puts “Canada’s interests first.” 

Whether or not this is the right approach to deal with Trump has yet to be seen, but it is interesting to see how Trump's impending return to power is affecting America's closest ally and global partner. 

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