Toronto: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has warned that Canada is prepared to deliver a “forceful and immediate response” if the Trump administration follows through with its plan to impose 25% tariffs on Saturday.

“We’re working hard to prevent these tariffs, but if the United States moves ahead, Canada’s ready with a forceful and immediate response,” Trudeau stated in a post on X.

Trump reaffirmed his tariff threat on Friday, the eve of the proposed implementation. In response, Canada has sent three senior Cabinet ministers to Washington—Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, Public Safety Minister David McGuinty, and Immigration Minister Marc Miller—to engage in discussions with U.S. officials.

Canada’s Border Crackdown

Canada has defended its efforts to strengthen border security, emphasizing increased surveillance measures such as drone monitoring and canine units to curb illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking.

This week, Canadian authorities arrested two Indo-Canadians in Saskatchewan’s Swift Current region after discovering eight kilograms of fentanyl hidden in their vehicle. The suspects, identified as 26-year-old Swati Narula and 28-year-old Kunwardeep Singh from Calgary, now face charges related to drug smuggling.

Trudeau’s Strong Message to the U.S.

Speaking before a Canada-U.S. Council meeting in Toronto, Trudeau underscored his government’s commitment to cooperation while signaling a firm stance on potential tariffs.

“Right now, we’re demonstrating to the new American administration that Canada is a strong partner in securing the border. At the same time, we are making it clear that we won’t back down. If tariffs are imposed on Canada, we will respond,” he said. “It’s not what we want, but if he moves forward, we will also act.”

Trump’s Skepticism

Despite Canada’s assurances, Trump remains unconvinced, repeating accusations that fentanyl is entering the U.S. through Canada. “China makes it and puts it through different places. A lot of it comes through Canada,” he claimed, adding that criminals are also exploiting the same routes.

The two leaders have not spoken recently. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed Trudeau’s remarks, saying, “I think Justin Trudeau would be wise to talk to President Trump directly before pushing outlandish comments like that to the media.”