Incoming Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney declared Tuesday that Canada will maintain its tariffs until the United States shows respect and commits to free trade. The statement follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%, intensifying a trade war between the two nations.

Carney, set to replace Justin Trudeau in the coming days, called Trump’s tariffs an assault on Canadian workers and businesses. “My government will keep our tariffs on until the Americans show us respect and make credible, reliable commitments to free and fair trade,” he said, promising a response that maximizes U.S. impact while minimizing harm at home.

Trump announced the tariff hike on social media, effective Wednesday, citing Ontario’s recent electricity price increases for U.S. buyers as justification. He accused Canada of using energy as a “bargaining chip” and warned of historic financial consequences. Trump also renewed his call for Canada to join the U.S. as its 51st state, a proposal that has outraged Canadians.

Canada plans to retaliate with tariffs targeting U.S. goods like orange juice, peanut butter, and steel, building on its initial $21 billion (USD) in levies. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who raised electricity rates in response to Trump, urged Americans to oppose the “chaos” of a potential recession driven by Trump’s policies. “It shouldn’t be this way. Both countries should be booming,” Ford said on MSNBC.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre labeled Trump’s actions a betrayal of the U.S.-Canada friendship, advocating for matching 50% tariffs on American steel and aluminum. “We are a proud, sovereign nation, and we will fight back,” he said. As tensions escalate, Carney aims to protect Canada’s economy while navigating this deepening trade conflict.