Associations representing farmers and businesses in Ontario say Canada's next leader needs to act quickly and prioritize Canada's economy in the face of potentially catastrophic tariffs threatened by U.S. president-elect Donald Trump.
Reflecting on nearly a decade of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's tenure, they say his policies have brought both boons and challenges to their sectors, adding that agricultural and business growth needs to be top of mind, regardless of who takes over the reign.
"We definitely need experienced hands for the economy and for businesses," said Graham Henderson of London, Ont.'s Chamber of Commerce, which represents 950 businesses.
On Monday, Trudeau announced he was proroguing Parliament until March 24 and will step down once the Liberal Party chooses his successor. Trump was quick to respond, reiterating an idea he floated earlier, that Canada become the 51st U.S. state. On Tuesday, Trump said he would consider using "economic force" to join the countries together.
While some observers believe it's all part of Trump's negotiating strategy, Trudeau immediately dismissed his latest remarks, saying "there isn't a snowball's chance in hell" Canada would become a part of the U.S.
Opposition and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre responded too, saying in a statement, "Canada will never be the 51st state. Period." NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh wrote on X, formerly Twitter, "No Canadian wants to join you. ... Your attacks will hurt jobs on both sides of the border."
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