Trudeau, Trump agree to ‘pause’ proposed tariffs until March 1

What’s happening?

A Canada-U.S. trade war has been adverted — for now.

After conversations with President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted on X (formerly Twitter) that both countries agreed to “pause” their proposed tariffs on billions of dollars worth of goods until March 1.

I just had a good call with President Trump. Canada is implementing our $1.3 billion border plan — reinforcing the border with new choppers, technology and personnel, enhanced coordination with our American partners, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl. Nearly…

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 3, 2025

The update comes just hours before Trump’s 25 per cent tariff on most goods and 10 per cent tariff on Canadian energy were set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on Feb. 4.

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• How Trump’s tariffs could affect Canadians: 3 key employee rights
• Trudeau to step down as PM, Liberal leader: Key employee takeaways

Ontario pausing retaliatory measures

Premier Doug Ford announced that the province is pausing a suite of retaliatory measures that were set to take effect on Feb. 4.

In addition to removing U.S. alcohol from LCBO shelves, Ford said he would rip up a $100-million contract for satellite internet with Elon Musk’s Starlink service.

“We have some good news today. We have temporarily averted tariffs that would have severely damaged our economy, giving time for more negotiation and time for cooler heads to prevail,” the premier said in a post on X.

“Thank you to the countless workers, union leaders, businesses, and everyday proud Canadians who rallied together to make this happen.”

SEE ALSO
• Doug Ford warns Trump’s 25% tariff could cost Ontario ‘500,000 jobs’
• Trump’s 25% tariff could affect 29,000 agricultural jobs: OGVG

Canadians concerned about widespread layoffs

If a lasting agreement can’t be reached and a trade war takes place, here are five things that non-unionized employees in Canada need to do in the event they’re fired or let go:

1️⃣ Don’t sign anything immediately: Take your time to review all termination documents carefully. Speak with a lawyer before signing anything to ensure you’re fully informed and protected.

2️⃣ Document everything: Save copies of employment contracts, termination letters, severance offers, and correspondence with your employer for future reference.

3️⃣ Use our Severance Pay Calculator: Estimate what you’re owed with our firm’s free Severance Pay Calculator. This will help you understand your entitlements and plan your next move.

4️⃣ Get legal advice: Contact an experienced employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP to ensure your severance package reflects your full rights.

5️⃣ Start exploring new opportunities: Update your resume and begin searching for new roles. Proactively seeking work not only boosts your career, but also demonstrates your effort to find a new job, which is important in severance claims.

Why Samfiru Tumarkin LLP?

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we’ve helped over 50,000 clients secure fair severance packages — recovering millions of dollars for non-unionized employees across Canada.

With extensive experience representing workers in roles at small businesses and large organizations across various industries, our team provides the expertise you need to navigate your termination effectively.

SEE ALSO
• Should I negotiate my own severance package in Ontario?
• What Albertans need to know about negotiating severance
• Negotiating severance in B.C.: What employees need to know

WATCH: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru explains the difference a legal professional can make in certain situations on an episode of the Employment Law Show.

We specialize in assisting non-unionized employees in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia — ensuring their rights are fully protected.

In addition to employment law, our firm handles disability claims and personal injury cases.

Call 1-855-821-5900 today or request a consultation online.

Disclaimer: The materials provided in this article are for general informational purposes only and DO NOT constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a legal representative at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.