While we have grown accustomed to Trump’s erratic flip-flops during his first term, this latest threat must be taken seriously. Whether or not this provocative measure is implemented, it makes clear where the President-elect stands. Beyond tariffs, Trump aims to put the entire Canadian economy at the disposal of U.S. monopolies, which means immense pressure to sell off productive industries and dismantle public services.
The Communist Party of Canada is outraged by the recent announcement by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump that he intends to impose 25% tariffs on all products from Mexico, China, and Canada. Adding insult to injury, he showed unbridled contempt for Canada by referring to the country as the 51st state, proving that his objectives go far beyond merely raising tariffs.
Increased tariffs are being used as a blackmail tool to force Canada to serve up key sectors of its economy to U.S. monopolies on a silver platter. The privatization of public services—starting with healthcare—the collapse of the auto industry, the crisis in aeronautics (Bombardier’s stock already dropped 9% following this reckless announcement), the elimination of supply management, and the dismantling of the forestry industry are all targets.
We also condemn the calls from big business, which is pushing for a united front among all political parties to serve corporate interests. Equally absurd is the supposed division among provincial premiers—some calling for unity to negotiate better terms while others lean toward capitulation. These differences are purely tactical, aimed at deepening the integration of Canadian and American monopolies. Instead of confronting Trump’s anti-worker, anti-democratic, anti-union, and warmongering agenda, they are seeking alignment with it.
“Free trade” is nothing more than a euphemism for the protection of monopoly interests. Conversely, Trump’s so-called “protectionism” reflects a globalized economy where all countries are pressured to open their borders to serve U.S. imperialism. In both cases, the goal is the same: to strengthen monopoly power while bleeding workers and the masses dry.
The only path forward is to break with the power of the monopolies. This means nationalizing key sectors of industry and intensifying the struggle against U.S. imperialism and Canada’s economic dependence on it. Instead of capitulating to blackmail, Canada must pursue trade agreements that are genuinely mutually beneficial.
Now is not the time to reassure Trump or the U.S. monopolies that brought him to power—certainly not by caving to his demands. Trump’s ultimate goal is to force Canada to comply with U.S. dictates, including massive increases in military spending and the conversion of our economy into a support system for U.S. imperialist wars.
Whatever Trump and his Canadian acolytes may believe, the time has come to reaffirm Canadian sovereignty. This means rejecting subservience to U.S. imperialism, withdrawing immediately from NATO and other imperialist alliances, and tearing up free trade agreements designed solely to serve transnational monopolies.
Central Executive Committee, Communist Party of Canada