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As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House on Monday, Canada faces the looming threat of severe tariffs among a flurry of over 100 executive orders expected in his early days. While the full details of this extensive policy package remain unclear, here are five key areas Canadians should closely watch:
1. Tariffs on the Horizon
Canada and Mexico aren’t the only nations on Trump’s radar. The incoming president plans to impose a 10% tariff on goods from China, citing unfair trade practices. Trump’s treasury secretary nominee, Scott Bessent, recently testified that tariffs will serve multiple purposes: addressing trade imbalances, raising federal revenue, and as leverage in international negotiations.
2. Mass Deportations
Trump has vowed to launch the “largest deportation program in American history” on his first day. During his previous term, fears of deportation drove thousands across the U.S.-Canada border. Canadian officials have contingency plans in place should a similar migration surge occur.
3. Ukraine’s Uncertain Future
Trump has promised to end Russia’s war in Ukraine on his first day, though it’s unlikely to happen immediately. Skeptical of ongoing U.S. military and financial aid to Kyiv, Trump has signaled plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is lobbying hard to maintain U.S. support.
4. “Drill, Baby, Drill” Returns
Trump has pledged to prioritize U.S. energy dominance by ramping up domestic oil and gas production. This includes expediting permits for drilling and fracking. Canada, as the leading supplier of U.S. oil imports, could feel the impact of these policies.
5. Exiting the Paris Agreement
Trump withdrew from the Paris Agreement early in his first term, only for President Joe Biden to rejoin during his administration. Trump has signaled his intent to exit the agreement once again, undermining global efforts to combat climate change.
With Trump’s policies poised to make waves both domestically and internationally, Canada—and the world—will be watching closely.
