Prime Minister Justin Trudeau fought back tears while announcing a major milestone for Canadian families—just as tensions with the U.S. over Donald Trump’s tariffs escalate.
After nine years in office, Trudeau confirmed he will be stepping down, delivering an emotional speech to the Canadian people.
“On a personal level, I’ve made sure that every single day in this office, I put Canadians first. That I have people’s backs. And that’s why I’m here to tell you all: We got you,” Trudeau said in a speech captured by CTV News.
“Even in the very last days of this government, we will not let Canadians down—today and long into the future.”
A Final Victory Before Stepping Down
Despite the growing economic battle with the U.S., Trudeau shared what he called “great news” for Canadian families.
He revealed that his government has secured agreements with 11 of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories to extend the Early Learning and Child Care program until March 2030.
“Childcare is a foundational building block of what it means to be Canadian,” he said, adding that the government has worked closely with provincial leaders to ensure families can rely on the system for years to come.
U.S.-Canada Tariff War Escalates
Trudeau’s speech comes at a time of mounting economic tensions between Canada and the U.S., sparked by Donald Trump’s latest round of tariffs.
Last month, Trump signed an order imposing 25% tariffs on Canadian exports and 10% tariffs on Canadian energy. The move, he claimed, was meant to hold Canada, Mexico, and China accountable for failing to stop the flow of illegal fentanyl into the U.S.
Trump even suggested that Canada’s only way out of the tariffs would be to become the “Cherished 51st State”—a proposal that was swiftly rejected.
Trudeau Fires Back at ‘Unjustified’ Tariffs
Trudeau slammed the tariffs as “unjustified” and “economically reckless,” pointing out that less than 1% of fentanyl intercepted at the U.S. border comes from Canada.
“Canada has worked relentlessly to address this scourge that affects Canadians and Americans alike,” he argued, highlighting Canada’s $1.3 billion border security plan that has led to a 97% drop in fentanyl seizures from Canada between December 2024 and January 2025.
In response to Trump’s move, Canada has imposed its own counter-tariffs and is also exploring non-tariff measures in coordination with provincial governments.
Trudeau’s Final Stand
While Trudeau’s time in office is winding down, he made it clear that he isn’t backing down from the fight.
“While we urge the U.S. administration to reconsider their tariffs, Canada remains firm in standing up for our economy, our jobs, our workers, and for a fair deal.”
As he prepares to exit the political stage, Trudeau leaves behind a legacy of social programs, trade battles, and one last defiant stand against Trump.
