Ottawa [Canada], March 13: Canada's decision to impose retaliatory tariffs on the United States took effect on March 13, one day before Mark Carney took office as prime minister.
CBC News reported that Mark Carney will be inaugurated as Prime Minister of Canada on March 14 at Government House in Ottawa, amid escalating trade tensions between the country and its neighbor the United States.
Mr Carney is the new leader of the Liberal Party and said he will take over from outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a "smooth and swift" transition. Prime Minister Trudeau will officially resign and dissolve his cabinet on March 14.
The Canadian government's office confirmed that Mr. Carney and the new cabinet will be sworn in at 11 a.m. (local time) in a ceremony presided over by Governor General Mary Simon. Bloomberg reported that the new cabinet is expected to have 15-20 ministers, compared to the current 37 people, including Prime Minister Trudeau.
Dealing with the trade war with the United States is expected to be a priority for Mr. Carney. He said he was ready to speak directly with US President Donald Trump about the trade relationship between the two countries "on the basis of respect for Canada's sovereignty," calling for a common approach on the issue.
The remarks came as he visited the ArcelorMittal Dofasco steel plant in Hamilton on March 12. The Trump administration imposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum from all countries on the same day. Canada is the top US supplier of both.
Canada announced on March 12 that it would impose a 25% tariff on $29.8 billion worth of U.S. imports, essentially doubling existing tariffs, effective March 14. The new tariffs will apply to U.S. imports of aluminum and steel, in addition to targeting billions of dollars worth of imports of computers, sports equipment and cast iron.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
