Canadians Feel ‘Under Economic Attack’ Amid U.S. Tariffs, Annexation Talk

Canadians are “frustrated with the U.S.” over Donald Trump’s comments about annexing Canada and his tariffs against Canadian products, Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman said Sunday.

Hillman explained the frustration that Canadians feel towards their neighbor in an interview with CBS’s Face the Nation and said its citizens “don’t appreciate it.”

Hillman, in response to Trump’s remarks that Canada would become the 51st State, said: “They are getting frustrated by this kind of rhetoric. But more importantly, Canadians have become frustrated by our neighbours.”

Hillman, speaking about Trump’s new tariffs, said that Canadians felt under attack. The tariffs are causing challenges in Canadian society.

On Tuesday, the U.S. started imposing a 25 percent tariff on goods imported from Canada and Mexico. An additional 10% tax was also levied on Chinese imports. Trump is trying to curb drug trafficking as well as illegal immigration.

Trump has suspended for one month the 25% tariffs on the majority of goods imported from Canada and Mexico that are covered by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

Trump’s tariffs are on and off again as Canada prepares to elect its next leader, who will replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who recently developed a tense relationship with Trump.

Hillman stated that Canada’s next leader would “prioritize a healthy, productive and good relationship with Trump”.

“I am sure that that’s going to be possible,” she said. “Relationships go both ways, but I know that on our side, that’s going to be a priority.”