Canada does have a plan for dealing with trade war
By Lethbridge Herald on August 2, 2025.
Editor,
Re: “Canada has no plan to stand up against Trump” — Letter published Friday, July 18.
Dennis Bremmer’s concern about Canada’s response to Donald Trump’s provocations is understandable. But claiming our nation has no plan overlooks crucial facts. Canada is not passive — it’s mobilizing with clear intent. The federal government has introduced a $1.3 billion border security package, including advanced surveillance and detection technologies to respond to American criticism.
Provincial leaders have publicly signaled their readiness to deploy economic countermeasures, such as tariffs and energy restrictions. Meanwhile, strategic ad campaigns in the U.S. highlight the depth of Canada’s contributions to economic stability and trade cooperation.
And with over four million barrels of oil exported daily to the U.S., Canada holds a significant card in any negotiation. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith — along with Albertans — should recognize this not merely as a statistic but as a source of leverage that demands united national backing.
Moreover, Canadian leadership is showing signs of economic foresight. Mark Carney has begun working with key sectors — notably steel and aluminum — to shield industries from U.S. volatility and drive long-term resilience. T
he government is also exploring increased NATO defense spending by sourcing products from allied nations other than the United States, reinforcing both sovereignty and alliance commitments.
As for Mr. Bremmer’s letter — criticism without solutions can spark emotion but fails to drive action. Canada’s next chapter must be powered by strategy. Several paths forward include::
• Continuing to diversify trade relationships, a process already underway with the European Union, ASEAN, and African nations.
• Leveraging energy exports diplomatically while ramping up domestic investment in renewables to future-proof Canada’s economy.
• Building public consensus through national awareness campaigns that unify Canadians around a firm yet thoughtful response.
• Enacting legislative safeguards to protect domestic industries from abrupt foreign policy shifts. Canada is moving — not standing still.
And if Trump’s rhetoric aims to divide or intimidate, our best response is unity, readiness, and resolve.
Dennis Audette
Lethbridge
16-15
The Canadian government has indeed stepped up its border spending to appease Trump on the fentanyl issue. Now it’s time for us to demand that Trump stops the flow of illegal guns into Canada.
And further, why is it incumbent on Canada to secure the U.S. border against illegal drugs? Let them protect their own borders, at their expense.
As much as the true conservatives in my world aren’t fans of Liberals we see nothing wrong with what Trudeau did for Albertans and what Carney is trying to do for all Canadians and hurling sarcastic comments at them by these mindless Reformers without providing any proof they are hurting us is just plain stupid.
It’s time we started being pro active or at least hit the US harder with tariffs instead of waiting for the unpredictable physco south of the border. I’m satisfied with Carney’s reactions up to now but enough is enough. Trump will only become semi serious when tariffs start really hurting US consumers and they start protesting and taking to the streets.