‘Canada is prepared’: Trump’s 25% tariff to take effect on Feb. 4

As promised on Feb. 1, U.S. President President Donald Trump hit Canada with a 25 per cent tariff on most goods, and a 10 per cent tariff on Canadian energy.

According to the executive order signed by Trump, the tariffs will take effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on Feb. 4.

Trudeau’s response

Just hours after the president kicked off the trade war, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that “Canada is prepared” and outlined the country’s counter-tariffs.

“Tonight, I am announcing Canada will be responding to the U.S. trade action with 25 per cent tariffs against a $155 billion worth of American goods,” Trudeau said in his address to the nation.

The prime minister specified that there will be immediate tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods as of Feb. 4, followed by further tariffs on $125 billion worth of products in 21 days’ time to allow Canadian companies and supply chains to “find alternatives.”

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
• Trudeau to step down as PM, Liberal leader: Key employee takeaways

Canadian leaders react to Trump’s tariffs

• Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said her province will “work collaboratively with our federal government and fellow provinces on a proportionate response to the imposed U.S. tariffs.”
• Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was “extremely disappointed” — adding that Canada “now has no choice but to hit back and hit back hard.”
• Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston announced a range of retaliatory measures, including limiting access to provincial procurement for American businesses, doubling the cost of tolls for U.S. commercial vehicles at the Cobequid Pass, and removing all American alcohol from store shelves as of Feb. 4.
• British Columbia Premier David Eby called Trump’s decision a “declaration of economic war” — adding that B.C. Liquor stores have been immediately order to stop buying U.S. alcohol.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce also called the update “profoundly disturbing.”

“Tariffs will drastically increase the cost of everything for everyone: every day these tariffs are in place hurts families, communities, and businesses,” CEO Candace Laing said in a statement.

Canadians concerned about widespread layoffs

Economic disruptions caused by tariffs often lead to layoffs.

Here are five things that non-unionized employees in Canada need to do in the event they’re fired or let go after Trump’s tariffs take effect:

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.