Canada to boost border security amid Trump tariff threat: What to know
Al Jazeera2 days
Trudeau Meets Trump at Mar-a-Lago Amid Tariff Tensions
Above: Donald Trump (L) and Justin Trudeau during the plenary session of the NATO summit at the Grove Hotel in Watford, northeast of London, on Dec. 4, 2019. Image copyright: NICHOLAS KAMM/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made an unannounced trip to Florida on Friday evening to meet with US Pres.-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. He was accompanied by Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Chief of Staff Katie Telford.
The high-stakes meeting occurred just days after Trump threatened to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports unless Canada addresses his concerns about border security and drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl.
The Spin
Narrative A
The tariffs would devastate the Canadian economy and disrupt the deeply integrated North American trade relationship that has benefited both countries. The threat unfairly lumps Canada with Mexico despite vastly different border situations, and implementing such tariffs would harm American consumers through higher prices while damaging US businesses and industries.
Narrative B
The border security situation requires immediate attention, with illegal migration and drug trafficking posing serious threats to American security. Strong measures, including tariffs, are necessary to compel neighboring countries to take decisive action to stop the flow of illegal immigrants and dangerous drugs like fentanyl into the US.