Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest threat to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods in less than two weeks, some heading south are rethinking their travels plans.
‘’We are a little bit worried, we’re a little apprehensive, and I think we’re afraid we’re not going to get back,” said passenger, Leslie Goodyear.
There is a sense of uncertainty among passengers at the Ottawa airport heading to the U.S. amid the looming threat of an expensive trade war between the two countries.
“This might be our last time going to the states for a little while, it’s just as easy to go to Europe where it’s a little friendlier to Canada,” said another passenger.
Trump says tariffs on Canadian goods could come as early as Feb. 1.
“We’re thinking in terms of 25 per cent on Mexico and Canada because they’re allowing vast numbers of people. Canada is a very bad abuser. Also, vast numbers of people to come in and fentanyl to come,” said Trump during a Tuesday night news conference from the oval office.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded Wednesday, promising to hit back, including dollar-for-dollar counter tariffs.
“If the president does choose to proceed with tariffs on Canada, Canada will respond and everything is on the table,” said Trudeau.
While consumers could soon facer higher prices and fewer options on store shelves, businesses are also preparing to take a hit.
“I think some of our vegetables for sure, in the winter especially, will go up so I’m a little nervous about that,” said Summer Baird, owner of the Hintonburg Public House.
Premier Doug Ford is threatening to remove U.S. alcohol from store shelves if Trump imposes sweeping tariffs.
“If they pull it from the shelves, we’ll pull it from the menu as well just to show our solidarity,” said Baird.
