'Canadian rye over Kentucky bourbon, stay in Canada for vacation': Trudeau's appeal after Trump imposes tariffs

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called on citizens to “choose Canada” in response to US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods. Speaking at a press conference, Trudeau encouraged Canadians to support domestic products and industries.

“There are many ways for you to do your part,” Trudeau said. “It might mean checking the labels at the supermarket and picking Canadian-made products. It might mean opting for Canadian rye over Kentucky bourbon, or foregoing Florida orange juice altogether. It might mean changing your summer vacation plans to stay here in Canada and explore the many national and provincial parks, historical sites and tourist destinations our great country has to offer.”

The remarks came after Trump announced a 25% tariff on most Canadian imports, including consumer goods, steel and lumber, while imposing a 10% tariff on Canadian energy exports. The US President justified the move under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), linking it to concerns over illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
“We did not want this, but Canada is prepared,” Trudeau stated in an earlier post on X, signalling a firm stance against the new US trade barriers.
Subsequently, Canada has retaliated with 25% tariffs on $106 billion worth of American goods, including beer, wine, fruits, vegetables, consumer appliances, and plastics.
Trudeau warned that Trump's tariffs would have severe economic consequences for both nations, including job losses, higher costs for essential goods, and potential disruptions in industries dependent on cross-border trade. He stressed that Canada had always stood by the US “in its darkest hours” and criticised the decision for driving a wedge between the two allies.
Provincial leaders also condemned the US move. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called the tariffs a “mutually destructive policy,” while British Columbia Premier David Eby labelled it “a complete betrayal of the historic bond between our countries.”
Meanwhile, public sentiment against the tariffs was evident in Ottawa, where fans at an NHL game between the Ottawa Senators and Minnesota Wild booed the US national anthem in protest, as per AFP.