Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said today that US President Donald Trump's goal is to "destroy the Canadian economy" so he can then "annex" the country.
"That's what he (Trump) wants," Trudeau said at a press conference hours after the tariffs imposed by the US on Canadian products took effect.
The outgoing Canadian prime minister added that he does not know what kind of negotiations Canada could begin with the US.
Trudeau added that Ottawa had imposed 25 percent tariffs on some American products, such as meat, eggs, fruit and wine, early this morning.
According to him, the excuse about fentanyl smuggling, which the US president put forward to justify the introduction of tariffs, is "completely false and unjustified."
"It will be difficult and it will hit Canada hard, but the country will not back down," Trudeau added, promising Canada's victory in the face of Trump's decision, which he described as "stupid."
Addressing the Americans, Trudeau reiterated that the "trade war" was solely the will of Washington.
"We want to work with you as friends and allies, and we don't want to watch you suffer, but your government has chosen to inflict it on you. As of this morning, markets are down and inflation will rise dramatically across your country," Trudeau said in a message to Americans, adding that he was ready to speak quickly with Trump.
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