Canada's 13 premiers in Washington on mission to push back Trump's tariff threats

From left to right, Premier of Nunavut P.J. Akeeagok, Premier of the Northwest Territories R.J. Simpson, Premier of Alberta Danielle Smith, Premier of Manitoba Wab Kinew, Premier of Nova Scotia Tim Houston, Premier of Ontario Doug Ford, Premier of Québec François Legault, Premier of New Brunswick Susan Holt, Premier of British Columbia David Eby, Premier of Saskatchewan Scott Moe, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador Andrew Furey, and Premier of Yukon Ranj Pillai, pose for a group photograph before speaking to reporters at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) (Ben Curtis/AP)

WASHINGTON — Canada’s premiers are in Washington today to meet with lawmakers, business groups and lobbyists in a joint effort to push back on U.S. President Donald Trump’s plans for devastating duties.

It is the first time all 13 premiers have travelled to the American capital together.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford, chair of the Council of the Federation, appealed to members of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Tuesday to send a message to Trump that tariffs would hurt both the American and Canadian economies.

Since his return to the White House last month, Trump has taken rapid actions to reshape global trade and American foreign policy through tariffs.

The president signed executive orders Monday to impose 25 per cent levies on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States, including Canadian products, starting March 12.

Those duties were announced one week after Trump agreed to a month-long pause on his plan to slap Canada with 25 per cent across-the-board tariffs on imports, with a lower 10 per cent levy on Canadian energy.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb.12, 2025.

Kelly Geraldine Malone, The Canadian Press