Super Bowl surprise: Trump to impose 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum

What’s going on?

U.S. President Donald Trump plans to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, including from Canada, effective Feb. 10.

Trump made the bombshell announcement on Air Force One as he flew from Florida to New Orleans to attend the Super Bowl.

The president also told reporters that he will impose “reciprocal tariffs” early next week — meaning the U.S. would place import duties on products in cases where another country has levied duties on American goods.

“If [other countries] are charging us 130 per cent and we’re charging them nothing, it’s not going to stay that way.”

A senior Canadian government official told CBC News that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau — who’s currently in Paris — and his team are aware of Trump’s update and will not be commenting until they see something official in writing.

SEE ALSO
• Trudeau, Trump agree to ‘pause’ proposed tariffs until March 1
• How Trump’s tariffs could affect Canadians: 3 key employee rights
• Trudeau to step down as PM, Liberal leader: Key employee takeaways

Reaction from Canadian leaders

Ontario Premier Doug Ford

Ford said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that erratic moves like this by Trump is “the next four years.”

“Shifting goalposts and constant chaos, putting our economy at risk. I’m asking the people for a strong, stable, four-year mandate that outlasts the Trump administration to do whatever it takes, to always be ready to protect Ontario.”

SEE ALSO
• Ontario to hold snap election on Feb. 27
• Doug Ford warns Trump’s 25% tariff could cost Ontario ‘500,000 jobs’
• Trump’s 25% tariff could affect 29,000 agricultural jobs: OGVG

Quebec Premier François Legault

Echoing a similar message to his Ontario counterpart, Legault said in a post on X that Canada must “begin to renegotiate our free trade agreement with the United States as soon as possible.”

To help put an end to the economic uncertainty, he recommended finalizing a revised deal before the scheduled date in 2026.

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:

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.